Recycling on Wheels Smart-ER project introduces a pioneering approach to e-waste management in India, with no comparable counterpart in the country to date, says Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated "Recycling on Wheels Smart-ER" at Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi in alignment with the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign, celebrated from September 15th to October 2nd this year.
Launched by Eco Recycling Limited, a Mumbai-based public limited company, the e-waste management project has received a financial support of Rs 6.00 crore from Technology Development Board.
Dr Jitendra Singh stated, "The 'Recycling on Wheels Smart-ER' project aligns perfectly with the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign's objective of fostering a cleaner India.” He said that it not only bolsters transportation efficiency and cost reduction but will also efficiently extract precious metals from shredded e-waste in its later phase, making a significant contribution to the circular economy.
He further added that the campaign is not restricted to 2nd October, instead it has assumed a new dimension of continuity and the process is ongoing. He also said that Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary is only a reiteration of the cleanliness resolve.
“This project recognises SafaiMitra’s crucial role in cleanliness, preserving both the environment and their health through responsible e-waste disposal. It stands out by offering skill development, aligning with extended producer responsibility (EPR), and promoting sustainability, contributing to the motto of training, transport and technology, empowering the informal sector with skills, efficient transportation and technology for a better future," he said.
Speaking about the project, he emphasised, "This project introduces a pioneering approach to e-waste management in India, with no comparable counterpart in the country to date. It sets an entirely new benchmark for sustainable e-waste practices, characterised by a unique design and implementation that amalgamates efficiency, accessibility, and environmental responsibility."
Secretary, DSIR, Dr N. Kalaiselvi that all the 37 CSIR labs across the country are engaged with both physical cleaning and e-cleaning, including processing and weeding out of the obsolete files. She also promised to fasten the file movement in DSIR and CSIR from coming week.