India's electronic recycling business has undergone a dramatic change in the last few years, moving from unorganized to more organized and conscientious methods. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) was established in 2016 as a result of changes the government made to recycling legislation. This crucial advancement forced manufacturers to assume accountability for their goods from the point of manufacture to the point of disposal.
One of the pioneers in the electronic and electrical waste recycling industry is Earth Sense Recycle (ESR), a project of M/s. GJ Multiclave (India), is the country's first bio-medical waste management and handling company. The company has been instrumental in driving the evolution of the sector and legitimizing recycling techniques thanks to its ISO certifications and presence throughout PAN India. “Manufacturers were responsible for managing and recycling their items under EPR, which changed the industry.
This program increased official recyclers and reduced environmental damage. Thus, organized organizations like us responsibly recycle 80–85 percent of India's e-waste. We are an ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and R2v3-accredited organization that has helped this shift by recycling
28,000 metric tonnes annually”, states Dr. S. John Robert, CEO, Earth Sense Recycle.
Transforming the E-Waste Landscape
As one of the industry leaders, ESR helps original equipment manufacturers meet their extended producer obligations by acting as a producer-responsible company. ESR, which is present all across the nation, makes sure that electronic trash is collected, transported, disassembled, recycled, and disposed of properly. The organization's dedication to recycling, reusing, and decreasing waste is in line with the more general objective of building a sustainable future.
ESR's yearly recycling of almost 28,000 metric tonnes demonstrates its commitment to the management of electronic waste. John continues, “ESR takes pride in its professional approach to recycling, setting itself apart in terms of responsible practices, even though its market share may be modest.” Moreover, in a world of technology that is changing quickly, recycling has to deal with complex and little circuits. To solve these issues, ESR uses stateof- the-art technology, guaranteeing that 99.3 percent of electronic waste is correctly recovered and recycled. Data security is also a top need, particularly for devices that hold sensitive data.
ESR uses a multi-layered strategy that includes mechanical procedures for data destruction, data degaussing utilizing magnetic fields, and data wiping using specialist software. This methodical procedure guarantees that confidential information and intellectual property are managed safely and per the highest standards. Nevertheless, difficulties still exist despite great advancements. A gap has been created by the change from the 2016 regulations to the 2022 regulations, and many recyclers have not yet synchronized their technology and facilities.
There is still very little cooperation with the government, mostly because of the tendering system that prioritizes price over ethical recycling methods. However, ESR highlights that it's critical to embrace the most advanced technologies available without enforcing stringent regulations in the future. The secret is sustainability, and ESR promotes striking a balance between the effects of technology development and the environment. Focused on attaining a circular economy, ESR imagines a future in which India makes the most of its resources for extracting precious metals.
To conclude, ESR is a model for ethical electronic waste disposal in India. ESR's commitment to sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and high standards are shaping electronic recycling throughout the nation. John admits that recycling devices are challenging, but he believes India can use the latest technology. He stresses, “the significance of sustainability and promotes a balance between the impact of technology advancements on the environment and sustainability.” ESR's commitment to a 99.5 percent recovery rate shows how ethical recycling may succeed in India's growing e-waste market.
