Andhra Pradesh Unveils New SOP for E-Waste, Makes Monthly Disposal Mandatory
Suresh Kumar the guidelines are to be implemented with immediate effect. ULB commissioners have been directed to ensure strict compliance to boost recycling and reduce unsafe dumping of e-waste state-wide.
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh government has rolled out a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) for streamlining the collection and scientific disposal of electronic waste across all 123 urban local bodies (ULBs) in Andhra Pradesh.
Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) department issued the new guidelines amid mounting concerns over hazardous electronic items entering routine municipal waste.
According to the department, discarded mobile phones, computers, cables and household appliances contain toxic chemicals that can contaminate soil and groundwater if dumped in landfills. To check this, the SOP mandates that every ULB organise e-waste collection drives twice a month—on the 10th and 20th—from designated drop-off points and structured documentation. A dedicated nodal officer will oversee the operations.
As per the guidelines, all e-waste collected must be handed over only to the authorised recycling agency appointed by the Swachha Andhra Corporation (SAC).
Although the state earlier signed an MoU with RE Sustainability, only 46 ULBs have transferred their collected e-waste to it so far. This has prompted the government to enforce a uniform, stricter framework.
To enhance monitoring, SAC will operate a central dashboard to track real-time progress, while monthly and quarterly reporting systems have been introduced.
Awareness programmes will be conducted at schools, residential associations and various neighbourhoods. e-Waste management will become part of district-level rankings under the Swarna Andhra Swachha Andhra (SASA) programme.
Principal secretary (MA&UD) S. Suresh Kumar said the SOP strengthens AP’s leadership in sustainable waste governance. He stressed that public participation is crucial in this regard, as irresponsible disposal of even a single electronic gadget can cause long-term environmental harm.
Suresh Kumar the guidelines are to be implemented with immediate effect. ULB commissioners have been directed to ensure strict compliance to boost recycling and reduce unsafe dumping of e-waste state-wide.
