E-Waste Collection and Awareness Drive for Sustainable Future held

Shimla Oct 16

In a dedicated effort to promote responsible e-waste disposal and raise awareness about its environmental impact, the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, in collaboration with M/s Shiwalik Waste Management Limited and M/s Inner Wheel Club of Shimla Midtown, is launching a “State-wide E-Waste Collection-cum-Awareness Drive.” This initiative is aligned with the celebration of World E-waste Day 2023, observed on 14th October 2023.

The drive, scheduled to take place from 16th to 21st March 2023, will focus on collecting electronic waste from various parts of Shimla City and the state’s 11 regional offices. E-waste poses a significant threat to the environment due to the toxic materials contained in electronic devices, including lead, cadmium, mercury, and flame retardants.

The campaign was officially inaugurated by Sh. Sanjay Gupta (IAS), Hon’ble Chairman of the HP State Pollution Control Board, who flagged off a mobile van on 16th March 2023. The van will cover specific routes and areas within Shimla City for e-waste collection, as follows:

– 16th Oct, 23: Phase-III HPSPCB HQ, BCS, New Shimla, Khalini, DC Office, Shimla
– 17th Oct, 23: D.C. Office, Shimla
– 18th Oct, 23: H.P. Secretariat, Shimla
– 19th Oct, 23: Kanlog, Khalini, Chota Shimla, Sanjauli, Dhalli, Bhattakufur
– 20th Oct, 23: Panthaghati, Kasumpti, Vikasnagar, Mehli, Malyana
– 21st Oct, 23: Fagli, Tuti Kandi, Chakkar, Tutu – Tara Devi

On 17th October 2023, the mobile van will be stationed at DC Shimla for the entire day, and on 18th October 2023, it will be located at HP Secretariat, Chhota Shimla. The drive encourages the participation of government departments and citizens, urging them to deposit their e-waste to the mobile van.

Additionally, citizens and the public can submit their e-waste in the 11 regional offices of the HP State Pollution Control Board during the period from 16th October 2023 to 21st October 2023. Each office will set up collection kiosks, and e-waste can be deposited from 10 AM to 05 PM during the campaign period. The initiative provides a support price for e-wastes, offering incentives of Rs. 20 for smartphones, Rs. 5 per keypad phone, Rs. 120 for laptops, and Rs. 150 for computers, among others.

Sh. Anil Joshi (IFS), Member Secretary HP State Pollution Control Board, called on the citizens of Shimla to participate in the drive by responsibly disposing of their e-waste, as improper handling and disposal pose threats to human health and the environment. By engaging in this campaign, individuals can contribute to the safe and sustainable disposal of e-waste, thus supporting a cleaner and greener future.