As part of efforts to tackle the growing menace of electronic waste in Delhi, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit will launch a pilot project on Monday to set up special e-waste disposal bins at various strategic locations including schools and markets.

“Nearly 10 schools and six markets have been chosen in New Delhi area to place the specially designed bins. One e-waste disposal bin will also be kept at the Delhi Secretariat,” Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) member secretary AK Ambasht said. “We realize the potential threat of e-waste and setting up of disposal bins is a part of steps that need to be taken before the matter gets out of hand as the city gets more tech-savvy,” he said.

At present, due to lack of awareness, electronic waste such as mobile phones, compact discs and batteries are disposed of in a harmful manner, affecting the environment the bins are made of a special material to prevent thefts even as users dispose of the unwanted electronic gadgets. The Government has tied up with three authorized e-waste recyclers, who will pick up the waste regularly and dispose it safely.

The State Government has already instructed the Government offices to dump their electronic waste strictly with the authorized recyclers and warned that those found violating the direction will face penalty. According to unofficial estimates, nearly 12,000 metric tones of e-waste is generated in India annually. This waste is often burnt producing harmful gases loaded with lead, mercury and cadmium.