Bengaluru: KSPCB chairman Lakshman on Friday stressed that there is an urgent need to bridge the gap between e-waste generation and recycling, and setting up of e-waste collection centres at local bodies is the need-of-the-hour.
The KSPCB, in association with Auma India, held an interaction programme on ‘e-Waste Management’ on Friday. As many as 80 participants from various industries discussed how to reuse, recycle and recover e-waste without damaging the environment.
Mr Lakshman said, “Advancements in technology have stimulated the economy, while improving the living standards of human race. However, the dependency on electronic products has led to several environmental problems.
"The e-waste is one of largest known sources of heavy metals and organic pollutants. The hazardous or toxic materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, brominated and chlorinated compounds pose a threat to humans and environment, if they are improperly disposed of.”
He cited the examples of Guiyu (China) and Honkong, where illegal dumping of e waste has resulted in contamination of water sources.
E-waste landfills burst into uncontrolled fires resulting in emission of highly toxic carcinogenic fumes, such as dioxins and furans, which not only affect local environment but even hamper global air currents.
The gathering concluded that the KSPCB should regularly hold awareness programmes on e-waste and give directions to the Urban Development Department and BBMP to set up e-waste collection centers at urban local
bodies.
