'Lighting firms flout e-waste rule in India, comply in EU'

A green body today alleged that many international lighting firms which comply with the European countries' rules on e-waste, refuse to accept responsibility for management of mercury-bearing waste mandated under India's e-waste rules.
Toxics Links alleged that while these firms have been fulfilling their commitments under the European Union directives while they don't do so in India.
"This exposes their double standards and reflects that they have very little consideration for the adverse impacts of mercury on health of Indian citizens," said Satish Sinha, Associate Director, Toxics Link.
Naming some prominent lighting companies, the green body said they have refused to accept any responsibility for the management of mercury-bearing waste mandated under the new E-waste Rules, 2016.

However, the same companies are responsible for management of mercury-bearing lamps in all the EU member states, it said.
"It is ironical that they refuse to abide by similar rules in India and have challenged the government's notification by moving a petition in the Delhi High Court," it said.

The revised e-waste Rules have brought Compact Fluorescent Lamps and other mercury-containing lighting equipment under its ambit.
It mandates that manufacturers have to take responsibility for the collection, transportation and disposal of fluorescent and other mercury-containing lamps under the EPR, one of the most progressive principles on e-waste management.
It puts in place stringent provisions for violations.

These companies are opposing the EPR principle by challenging it in the court, which is in stark contrast to their actions in Europe, the green body said.
It said that even the National Green Tribunal last year had instructed adoption of EPR for the management of mercury- bearing lights.
"This is a significant move towards meeting India's global commitment to reduce adverse impacts of mercury emissions and protect human health and environment. Allowing these companies to flout the rules in India will be a step back," it said.
Ravi Agarwal, Director, Toxics Link, termed it "unfortunate" that these firms are opposing EPR in India.

"India is one of the biggest lighting markets of the world, perhaps larger than Europe. These companies have the experience of collecting and recycling mercury-bearing lights in an environmentally sound manner, which they have been doing in Europe for a long time.
"Instead of opposing the Rules, they should come forward and set an example by setting up systems in India. This will not only help protect the environment, but will also create green jobs in the country," Agarwal said.