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| Summary of Discussion forum on Hazardous
Waste Management in India |
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| The topic of discussion for the quarter (April - June 2004) was Hazardous Waste Management in India. The response rate was high and very focused. The target group who participated in the discussion fora were mostly from the industry, specifically those directly involved in the handling and management of hazardous waste. The responses were from diverse sectors, the response rate was maximum from sectors like Paper and Pulp, Textiles, Oil Producers and Recyclers, Ceramics.
The topic has elicited varied range of responses clearly mirroring the extent and nature of problems faced by the industry, their expectations and suggestions for better management of hazardous wastes in the country. It reflects a positive approach from the industry in the sense that they are ready to shoulder responsibility for the hazardous wastes they generate and also find feasible solutions with the government support in implementing the regulations brought out by the government.  To facilitate better discussion, the topic was categorized into points like:
Lacunae at policy level and initiatives to be taken by government for better hazardous waste management.
Initiatives by industry and stakeholders for better hazardous waste management
Recommendations/Suggestions for better implementation of Hazardous Waste Management and Handling Rules and Amendments. Some issues that were brought out emphatically by the industry: High cost of analysis of hazardous wastes Transportation cost is high, paperwork is more particularly when the common disposal facilities are located in a different state. The cost is forbidding especially for the smaller industries. Time for storage at site inadequate, TSDF (transport, storage, disposal facilities) should be permitted to store for longer periods to facilitate the TSDF to provide the required treatment for wastes and to have sufficient quantity to give the treatment; like incineration. Government support is essential to percolate the effort nationwide. Almost ninety percent of industries that responded emphasized the lack of adequate infrastructure for storage, handling and disposal of wastes as one main threat to proper management of hazardous waste management in India. While the absence of code of practices for handling, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste was identified as yet another significant issue by most industries. While elaborating on the nature of initiatives to be taken by the government, some useful suggestions made were: Simplification of the authorization process for the recyclers and users of wastes Online registration suggested. Awareness building on the Central Pollution Control Board requirements of registration for the buyers of used oil and other wastes.
Incentivise source reduction of hazardous wastes.
For different categories of hazardous waste, lists of authorised recyclers should be made available and easily accessible.
Recognize the huge costs of investment for installation and maintenance of individual treatment facilities and also acknowledge the fact that a large number are small industries and generation quantity is low. Hence promote common treatment facilities. Industry members suggest the following to strengthen hazardous waste management and handling rules 1989, amendments 2000 and 2003:
Inventorization and then regular monitoring enables better implementation.
Train the pollution control boards at state level regularly to have clarity on clauses and their standard interpretation in hazardous waste rules 1989 and amendments 2000, 2003.
Make voluntary environmental management standards like ISO 14001 mandatory, this would support better hazardous waste management
Incentivise reduction in specific generation and penalize increased specific quantity of hazardous waste.
Options/directives under various clauses/categories may be rationalized and consolidated /merged.
One interesting feedback through the discussion fora was that the industry members support source reduction of hazardous waste unanimously. Apart from that most emphasized on clean production processes, training on latest techniques and regulations of hazardous waste management, choice of long term options. They are willing to take responsibility to manage the generated hazardous waste. The role of industry associations is found to be very pivotal, in area wise management of hazardous waste and implementation of rules. The discussion fora brings out that the stakeholders have an important role in building awareness on hazardous waste management rules, exploring business in managing the wastes, contribute to better reforms at the policy making stage itself, leading to practical implementation of hazardous waste management rules and amendments. |
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