Globally, WEEE/ E-waste are most commonly used terms for electronic waste. At UNEP web site, it is cited that “E-waste is a generic term encompassing various forms of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) that are old, end-of-life electronic appliances and have ceased to be of any value to their owners”. There is no standard definition of WEEE/ E-waste. A number of countries have come out with their own definition, interpretation and usage of the term “E-waste/WEEE”. The most widely accepted definition of WEEE/ E-waste is as per EU directive, which is followed in member countries of European Union and other countries of Europe. At first WEEE/ E-waste definition as per EU directive has been described followed by description of definitions in Canada, Japan, USA, Basel Convention and OECD. Finally, basis of definition has been analyzed followed by recommended definition in Indian regulations.

European Union

Definition as per EU directive has been described below. Countries, which have transposed this definition into their national legislation are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

WEEE Directive (EU, 2002a)

“Electrical or electronic equipment which is waste including all components, sub-assemblies and consumables, which are part of the product at the time of discarding.” Directive 75/442/EEC, Article 1(a) defines “waste” as “any substance or object which the holder disposes of or is required to dispose of pursuant to the provisions of national law in force.”

(a) ‘electrical and electronic equipment’ or ‘EEE’ means equipment which is dependent on electrical currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work properly and equipment for the generation, transfer and measurement of such current and fields falling under the categories set out in Annex IA to Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE) and designed for use with a voltage rating not exceeding 1000 volts for alternating current and 1500 volts for direct current.

Annex IA, Categories of electrical and electronic equipment covered by this Directive:

Annex IB, List of products, which fall under the categories of Annex IA are given below:

E-waste definition in Other Countries:

Basel Convention, OECD and Basis of Definitions:

Proposed E-waste Definition:

Source: Central Pollution Control Board