National Non-ferrous Metal Scrap Recycli

Q. What is the news?

The Ministry of Mines has issued a National non-ferrous metal scrap recycling framework, 2020 in a bid to cut down the scrap imports.

It also seeks to use a life cycle management approach for better efficiency in the mineral value chain process.

Q. What are the objectives of the recycling framework?

• To work towards economic wealth creation, job creation and increased contribution to GDP through metal recycling.
• To promote a formal and well organized recycling ecosystem by adopting energy efficient processes.
• To minimize the effect of end of life products on landfills and environmental pollution by promoting an environmentally sound recycling system.
• To evolve a responsive ecosystem by involving all stakeholders.

Q. What are the implementation guidelines?

• The framework envisages setting up of a central Metal Recycling Authority to facilitate recycling of metals.
• The government will work towards establishing standards for Quality of scrap used for recycling.
• A mechanism for registration of segregators, dismantlers, recyclers, collection centers etc. will be developed to promote recycling to an organized sector
• It is proposed to set up Urban Mines, envisaged as a location to collect and hold large quantities of similar materials.
• An Online market platform/ exchange platform for recycled/secondary metal will be developed.
• Recyclers may explore the possibility of entering into collection contracts with industrial and commercial establishments.

Q. What are the roles of stakeholders?

• Responsibility of Manufacturer: To ensure that any Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines/Regulations be strictly adhered to.
• Designing products that are easier to recycle and reuse in an efficient and environmentally sound manner.
• Role of Public: Public should responsibly dispose of scrap at designated scrap collection centers for their effective and environmentally sound processing.
• Role of Government: MoEF&CC to streamline the regulatory requirements, eliminating multiple clearances wherever feasible, for the recycling units.
• Role of Recycling Authority: Developing technical, safety and environmental norms and SOPs for handling and processing of scraps in consultation with MoEFCC, CPCB, BIS, etc.

Q. What are the challenges faced By the Non-ferrous Metals Recycle Industry?

• A major challenge is its heavy dependence on import of metal scrap.
• Lack of an organized / systematic scrap recovery mechanism.
• Lack of sustained implementation of existing regulations on waste collection and recycling.
• Lack of standardization of recycled products adversely affecting market adoption.
• Lack of specific skill sets on responsible methods and technologies.