Lackluster response to e-waste collection drive

INDORE: The response to the disposal of e-waste from city residents has been lackluster, if the experiences of the last 10 days ever since it became effective are taken into account. E-wastes are emerging as one of the major threats to the environment.
Lack of awareness about disposal of e-wastes among the people is proving to be a major impediment in its success.
The state government had entrusted the task of collecting electronic scrap in the form of computers, printers, cell phones, refrigerators, microwave oven, tube lights, bulbs and air conditioners to the authorized agencies.
Hostech Eco Management Pvt Ltd and Unique Eco Recycler have been given the licence to collect, disintegrate, segregate and recycle e-waste in the state by Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB). They said they have not able to collect any e-waste in the first 10 days due to lack of awareness among people regarding the scientific disposal of such wastes. However, they are confident that situation will change in coming months.
The city generates 3,000-4,000 tonnes of e-waste per month. "As of now, not even 1% of e-waste has been collected from the city. We have received only six electronic devices," claimed Faisal Hussain, GM, Unique Eco Recycler.
"There has been no initiative from bulk users who make maximum use of electronic equipments for the proposed disposal. But we have been receiving calls from consumers who have queries about e-waste disposal,'' added Hussain.
Director of Hostech Eco Management Pvt Ltd Asad Warsi said "We have received many calls from the residents of Indore enquiring about e-waste management system. The collection centres in malls would soon be functional as we are in the advance stage of discussion with malls." He said the company aims to collect 1 lakh tonnes of e-waste per day by the year 2015.
Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) has agreed to dispose of 2.5 metric tonnes per month to Hostech Eco Management Pvt Ltd. In a day or two, the high court bench would also collaborate with the company to dispose of a tonne of e-waste per month.
Similarly, collaboration of the company with 15 other corporate houses for collecting e-waste is in the pipeline.
BOX
Collection centres in city:
Centres by Unique Eco Recycler in Sikh Mohalla, Palda and Orbit mall.
Centres by Hostech Eco Management Pvt Ltd in Sukhliya, Rajwada