Correct Option
The E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011, were the first to introduce the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in India. Under these rules, producers are mandated to be responsible for the collection, channelization, and environmentally sound management of e-waste generated from their products after their end-of-life. This principle signifies a shift in responsibility for post-consumer waste management from local authorities or governments to the producers of electronic goods.
Incorrect Options
Option 1: The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
These rules primarily focus on the safe segregation, collection, treatment, and disposal of biomedical waste generated from healthcare facilities to prevent health hazards and environmental pollution. They do not incorporate the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility.
Option 2: The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
These rules aimed at regulating the manufacturing, usage, and recycling of plastic carry bags and containers. While they addressed aspects of plastic waste management, they did not introduce the EPR framework for producers.
Option 4: The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
These regulations are framed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Their primary objective is to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption by laying down science-based standards and regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food articles. They are unrelated to environmental waste management or producer responsibility for end-of-life products.