The Centre on notified the revised e-waste management rules 2016, considering the “phenomenal” growth of e-waste in the country, under which improper management of such refuse leading to environment damage will invite financial penalty.
While CFL and other mercury lamps have been brought within the ambit of the e-waste management rules 2016, a “Deposit Refund Scheme” has been introduced under which the producer of any computer, mobile phone or other electronic product will have to persuade consumers to return the products after usage for a small sum. The Deposit Refund Scheme has been introduced as an additional economic instrument wherein the producer charges an additional amount as a deposit at the time of sale of the electrical and electronic equipment and returns it to the consumer along with interest when the end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment is returned.The government has revised the e-waste management rules. The 2016 rules are in supersession of the e-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
The workers who are involved in this task suffer from neurological disorders, skin diseases and cancer.The department of labour in a state will ensure recognition and registration of workers involved in dismantling and recycling, assist formation of groups of such workers to facilitate setting up dismantling facilities and undertake industrial skill development activities.
For the first time, the producers will be brought under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and made responsible for collection of e-waste and its exchange. ensure collection of e-waste as well as its disposal in an environmentally sound manner. The phase-wise collection target for e-waste, which can be either in number or weight, shall be 30 per cent of the quantity of waste generation as indicated in EPR Plan during first two years of implementation of rules followed by 40 per cent during third and fourth years, 50 per cent during fifth and sixth years and 70 per cent during seventh year onwards, the rules said
There is also a liability clause with financial penalties, where environmental degradation is happening and things are not being done scientifically. Also the process of dismantling and recycling of e-waste has now been simplified through a uniform system of authorisation. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will give the single authorisation throughout the country.
The rules added the role of state governments  to ensure safety, health and skill development of the workers involved in dismantling and recycling operations.The state government will also have to prepare an integrated plan for effective implementation of these provisions and submit annual reports to Environment Ministry.
Under the new rules, the refurbisher also need to collect e-waste generated during the process of refurbishing and channelise the waste to authorised dismantler or recycler through its collection centres and seek one time authorisation from State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).
As per the rules, the Department of Industry in state will ensure earmarking of industrial space for e-waste dismantling and recycling in the existing and upcoming industrial parks.

Liability for damages caused to the environment or third party due to improper management of e-waste including provision for levying financial penalty for violation of provisions of the Rules has also been introduced. Urban Local Bodies (Municipal Committee/Council/Corporation) has been assign the duty to collect and hand over the orphan products to authorized dismantler or recycler.

The e-waste exchange as an option has been provided in the rules as an independent market instrument offering assistance or independent electronic systems offering services for sale and purchase of e-waste generated from end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment between agencies or organizations authorised under these rules.
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. Obsolete electronic devices are rapidly filling the landfills. Most electronics that are improperly thrown away contain some form of harmful materials such as beryllium, cadmium, mercury and lead. These materials might be trace elements, but when added up in volume, the threat to the environment is significant. Besides adding harmful elements to the environment, improper disposal of e-waste is a recycling opportunity lost. Almost all electronic waste contains some form of recyclable material, including plastic, glass and metals. Toxic chemicals in electronics products can leach into the land over time or are released into the atmosphere, impacting nearby communities and the environment
Incineration releases heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury into the air and ashes. Mercury released into the atmosphere can bio accumulate in the foodchain, particularly in fish – the major route of exposure for the general public. If the products contain PVC plastic, highly toxic dioxins and furans are also released. Brominated flame retardants generate brominated dioxins and furans when e-waste is burned.