Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a term for electronic products that have become unwanted, non-working or obsolete, and have essentially reached the end of their useful life. As per E-waste Rule 2016, the E waste is defined as electrical and electronic equipment, whole or in part discarded as waste by the consumer or bulk consumer as well as rejects from manufacturing, refurbishment, and repair processes. E-waste contains many valuable, recoverable materials such as aluminium, copper, gold, silver, plastics, and ferrous metals. In order to conserve natural resources and the energy needed to produce new electronic equipment from virgin resources, electronic equipment can be refurbished, reused, and recycled instead of being landfilled.

Under the guidelines of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 and M/S. A&T Video Networks Private Limited (A&T) stands committed to implement E-Waste Rules.

A&T understand there is a need to encourage recycling of all useful and valuable material from e-waste so as to conserve the ever-depleting natural resources. Recycling end-of-life discarded products is vital if we are to save resources and minimize landfill A&T understands its responsibility and in this regards we have tied-up with one of the leading PRO namely TES-AMM (INDIA) PVT. LTD. for facilitating our customers to enable them to dispose of e-waste products after its end-of-life. Authorized EPR ID: 826 _ Dated: 9^th September, 2023.

We’ve officially embarked on our recycling journey. Our goal is to increase e-waste recovery by raising awareness about the recycling process among our partners and consumers. This initiative aims to foster a sustainable, green environment, enhance cost-effectiveness, promote economic growth, and save energy.

A crucial element of e-waste management frameworks is the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). EPR mandates that manufacturers take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, including end-of-life disposal. This approach encourages companies to design products that are easier to recycle and reduces the burden on municipal waste management systems.

About EPR

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a critical concept in environmental policy and sustainability efforts, particularly concerning waste management. It shifts the onus of managing a product’s lifecycle from Distributors, Partners, and End customers to the producers themselves.

Under EPR, producers are held accountable for the environmental impact of their products throughout their entire lifecycle, including after they are discarded as waste. This responsibility spans from design, from production to collection, recycling, and disposal. By incentivizing producers to design products with longevity and recyclability in mind, EPR aims to reduce waste generation, promote resource efficiency, and minimize environmental pollution. It encourages innovative approaches to product design and materials management, fostering a circular economy where resources are conserved and reused rather than disposed of after a single use. EPR policies vary globally but share the common goal of encouraging sustainable practices and ensuring that producers bear the costs and responsibilities associated with their products’ environmental impact.

Benefits of Extended Producer Responsibility

Environmental Benefits:

• Reduces landfill waste.
• Lowers pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Encourages sustainable resource use.

Economic Benefits:

• Creates jobs in recycling and waste management industries.
• Reduces costs associated with waste disposal

Social Benefits:

• Increases public awareness and participation in waste management.
• Promotes corporate social responsibility

Effective e-waste recycling programs require collaboration among various stakeholders, including:

Step One – Collection

The first stage in the recycling process for e-waste is the collection of electronic products through recycling bins, collection locations, take-back programs, or on-demand collection services. The mixed e-waste is then taken to specialized electronics recyclers.

Best practice dictates that e-waste should be separated by type at this stage of the process, which is why many collection sites will have different bins or boxes for different items. This is especially important for e-waste containing batteries, which require special treatment and can be very damaging if mixed with other waste.

Step Three – Manual Sorting, Dismantling, Shredding

E-waste then goes through the initial stage of manual sorting, where various items (such as batteries and bulbs) are removed for their own processing. This is the stage at which some items may also be manually dismantled for components, reuse, or the recovery of valuable materials. This is a labour-intensive step that is crucial for effective recycling.

E-waste is then shredded into small pieces allowing for accurate sorting of materials, a key part of the process. Most electronics are a mix of materials, and breaking items down into pieces that measure just a few centimetres means they can be separated mechanically. indefinitely.

Step Five – Recovery

The materials, now separated, are prepared for sale and reuse. For some materials, such as plastic or steel, this means joining another recycling stream. Others may be processed onsite and sold directly alongside usable components separated in the early stages

• Environmental Protection: Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators, thereby minimizing pollution.
• Conservation of Natural Resources: Saves raw materials such as timber, water, and minerals by reusing existing materials.
• Energy Savings: Manufacturing products from recycled materials typically requires less energy compared to using virgin materials.
• Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Decreases emissions that contribute to climate change by reducing the energy needed for production.
• Economic Growth: Creates jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries, boosting local economies.
• Preservation of Ecosystems: Limits the need for mining, logging, and extraction activities, which can harm ecosystems.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces waste management costs through efficient resource utilization.
• Encouragement of Innovation: Promotes the development of new products and technologies designed for sustainability.

Tips for reducing E-Waste

• Buy Less: Only purchase electronics that you need to avoid unnecessary waste.
• Choose Quality: High-quality products last longer and reduce the frequency of replacements.
• Avoid Upgrading Frequently: Keep using your current devices until they are no longer functional.
• Borrow or Rent: If you need electronics for a short-term purpose, consider borrowing or renting instead of buying.

How to Properly Dispose of E- Waste

• Find Certified E-Waste Recyclers: Locate certified e-waste recyclers in your area through online resources or municipal websites.
• Retailer Take-Back Programs: Major electronics retailers have take-back programs for old devices.
• E-Waste Collection Events: Many communities organize events where you can drop off your e-waste for proper disposal.
• Donate: Organizations like schools, non-profits, and shelters can often make use of your old electronics.

Importance of recycling and reusing

• Conserving Resources: Metals, plastics, and glass recovered from e-waste can be used to manufacture new products.
• Energy Savings: Recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the electricity used by more than 3,500 homes in a year.
• Reducing Pollution: Proper recycling prevents hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium from contaminating soil and water.
• Economic Benefits: The e-waste recycling industry supports thousands of jobs and contributes to the economy by reclaiming valuable materials.

Here are the steps to follow when dropping off your electronics item at our Collection Point:

• Pack the Item: Securely pack the electronics item in light packaging to ensure it is protected.
• Locate the Collection Point: Identify the Collection Point in your state by contacting customer care.
• Transport the Item: Take the packaged product to the identified Collection Point.
• Fill out the Form: At the Collection Point, you will receive a form. Fill in the necessary details.
• Submit the Package: Hand over the packaged product along with the filled form at the Collection Point.

Do’s

• Check the Catalogue: Always refer to the catalogue that comes with your product for instructions on end-of-life equipment handling.
• Use Authorized Recyclers: Ensure that only Authorized Recyclers repair and handle your electronic products.
• Contact Collection Centres: Always call our E-waste Authorized Collection Centres/points to dispose of products that have reached the end of their life.
• Drop Off at Authorized Centres: Always drop your used electronic products, batteries, or any accessories at your nearest Authorized E-Waste Collection Centres/Points when they reach the end of their life.
• Disconnect and Protect: Always disconnect the battery from the product, and ensure any glass surface is protected against breakage.

Dont’s

• Avoid Self-Dismantling: Do not dismantle your electronic products on your own.
• Proper Disposal: Do not throw electronics in bins marked with “Do Not Dispose” signs.
• Responsible Recycling: Do not give e-waste to informal and unorganized sectors like local scrap dealers or rag pickers.
• Correct Disposal Method: Do not dispose of your product in garbage bins along with municipal waste that ultimately reaches landfills.

These guidelines help ensure that e-waste is handled and recycled responsibly, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.

• The service is available Monday to Friday from 10:00 hrs. To 18:30 hrs.
• The product will be safely recycled.
• Please carry and deposit your product at the location address specified to you.
• We are not obliged to reimburse the customer the scrap value/any other value of the E–waste product surrendered by the customer to the authorized collection centre or picked up from Customer’s place.
• Local conditions of authorized recycler policy will apply.
• We reserve the right to change / amend this policy.

Yes, you can dispose of our products from any location in India by sending them to the designated collection centres.