SOP for Handling and Disposal of E-Waste

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SOP for Handling and Disposal of E-Waste

Standard Operating Procedure for Handling and Disposal of E-Waste

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to outline systematic procedures for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of electronic waste (E-Waste) to prevent environmental pollution, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and promote recycling and responsible waste management.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of electronic waste generated in offices, laboratories, manufacturing units, warehouses, and other facilities.

3) Responsibilities

  • Supervisors: Ensure proper handling and disposal of E-Waste in accordance with this SOP and regulatory requirements.
  • Employees/Operators: Identify, segregate, and store E-Waste in designated containers.
  • IT Department: Oversee the collection and inventory of obsolete electronic equipment.
  • Waste Management Personnel: Coordinate transportation and disposal of E-Waste through authorized recyclers.
  • Safety Officers: Conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with E-Waste management practices.

4) Procedure

4.1 Definition and Classification of E-Waste

E-Waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) or components that are no longer functional or required. E-Waste is classified as:

  1. Large E-Waste:
    • Refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, photocopiers
    • Large machinery containing electronic components

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  2. Small E-Waste:
    • Computers, laptops, printers, mobile phones
    • Keyboards, mice, and small IT accessories
  3. Components:
    • Batteries, circuit boards, cables, processors
    • Monitors and screens (including CRT, LCD, and LED)
  4. Hazardous E-Waste:
    • Items containing mercury,
lead, cadmium, or other hazardous materials

4.2 Segregation and Identification of E-Waste

  1. Segregation Process:
    • Segregate E-Waste at the point of generation based on size and hazardous content.
    • Use color-coded containers to store E-Waste:
      • Blue Containers: Non-hazardous E-Waste (keyboards, cables)
      • Red Containers: Hazardous E-Waste (batteries, mercury-containing screens)

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  2. Labeling:
    1. Clearly label all E-Waste containers as “E-WASTE – DO NOT DISPOSE IN GENERAL WASTE.”
    2. Include details such as:
      • Type of E-Waste
      • Date of segregation
      • Source location (e.g., Lab 1, IT Department)

4.3 Collection and Storage of E-Waste

  1. Collection Process:
    • Employees must deposit E-Waste into designated collection bins placed in accessible areas.
    • Appoint a designated team to monitor collection points daily.

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  2. Storage Guidelines:
    • Store E-Waste in a designated, secure, and ventilated storage area to prevent unauthorized access.
    • Ensure hazardous E-Waste is stored separately from non-hazardous E-Waste.
    • Prevent exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures to avoid component damage or contamination.
  3. Inventory Management:
    1. Maintain an E-Waste Inventory Log (Annexure 1) to document:
      • Type and quantity of E-Waste
      • Date of collection
      • Storage location
      • Final disposal/recycling details
    2. Update the inventory monthly.

4.4 Transportation and Disposal of E-Waste

  1. Authorized Recycler:
    • Partner with government-authorized E-Waste recycling vendors.
    • Verify vendor licenses and certifications for handling hazardous E-Waste.

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  2. Transportation Process:
    • Arrange for periodic pickup of stored E-Waste (weekly or monthly, depending on volume).
    • Transport E-Waste using leak-proof, labeled containers to prevent damage during transit.
  3. Disposal and Recycling:
    • Ensure E-Waste is processed using approved methods such as:
      • Component dismantling for recycling
      • Safe extraction of precious metals
      • Secure incineration or landfill for hazardous E-Waste
    • Obtain a Recycling Certificate from the vendor for compliance purposes.
  4. Record-Keeping:
    • Document all E-Waste disposal details, including vendor receipts, recycling certificates, and inventory updates.

4.5 Monitoring and Compliance

  1. Conduct monthly internal audits to verify adherence to this SOP.
  2. Ensure compliance with local, state, and national E-Waste management regulations.
  3. Report any non-compliance or deviations to the Safety Officer for corrective action.

4.6 Training and Awareness

  1. Train employees annually on:
    • Proper handling and segregation of E-Waste
    • Storage and labeling practices
    • Hazards associated with improper disposal of E-Waste

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  2. Display posters and awareness materials in areas where E-Waste is generated and collected.

5) Abbreviations, if any

  • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
  • EEE: Electrical and Electronic Equipment

6) Documents, if any

  • E-Waste Inventory Log
  • Vendor Receipts
  • Recycling Certificates

7) Reference, if any

  • E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 (India)
  • EPA Hazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines
  • ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Standards

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: E-Waste Inventory Log

 
 
 Date Item Name Category Quantity Storage Location Disposal Date Vendor Name 
 
 DD/MM/YYYY Monitor (CRT) Hazardous 10 Units Storage Room 3 DD/MM/YYYY XYZ Recyclers
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