Our goal for the next five years is to establish recycling units for e-waste, plastic waste, and battery waste in every region across India: Shashi Shekhar, Founder of Foxx Compliance Services (P) Ltd.
- What inspired you to start Foxx International? Share your journey with us
Our story at Foxx Locks is an intriguing one. In 2015, we were manufacturing metal products under our own brand when we noticed a lack of awareness regarding environmental prospects in the sector. Due to low literacy levels and lack of awareness among workers regarding the potential hazards of the smelting process, it was challenging to handle environmental concerns safely and effectively. To address this issue, we began researching the matter. Eventually, the Ministry of Environmental Forest & Climate Change (MOEF & CC) notified the E-waste Management rules in 2016. We recognized the need to tackle this important social and environmental issue by disposing of scrap and reusing the segregated and recycled scrap after smelting in an environmentally friendly manner. This approach supports a sustainable economy and addresses environmental concerns.
We saw an opportunity under the E-waste Rules, 2016, when Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations were introduced for producers and importers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE). This coincided with the launch of the Indian government’s “Start-up India” initiative, aimed at supporting start-ups to grow their businesses. We began serving start-ups and established brands in the waste management and compliance sector, helping them complete their product approvals and EPR obligations.
- How is e-waste a growing danger for environment?
Ensuring a decrease in the use of hazardous materials in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) is crucial to reducing the dangers associated with e-waste disposal. However, we recognize that this is a challenging task as these materials are fundamental requirements of electronic products and finding alternatives in the near future is a tough ask. Moreover, we understand that the low awareness of e-waste hazards is due to structural gaps in policy implementation, poor literacy levels, and poverty among major stakeholders in the informal sector. We have formulated policies to provide guidelines for producers, consumers, dismantlers, and recyclers, with prescribed procedures for handling hazardous waste. These policies include the adoption of environmentally sound practices, as well as the implementation of international practices such as the restriction on hazardous substances (RoHS) in electronic products. We believe that such practices are beneficial in the direction of manufacturing and the reduction of RoHS in products. The RoHS Directive presently limits the use of substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). We are committed to adopting these policies in order to go a long way in reducing the hazards associated with e-waste while promoting the production of environmentally friendly electronic products.
- What is the recycling process of e-waste?
It is essential to discuss the complete process of handling and disposing of E-waste with environmental safety in mind, not just the recycling process.
Proper strategies are needed to successfully implement the E-waste rules for channelizing and disposing of E-waste in an environmentally safe manner. In the 2016 rules, there were only two categories (21 products), but now there are seven categories (110 products) of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), including their components, consumable parts, and spares.
In the implementation process, the first step is to establish a collection mechanism, from consumers to collection centres, collection centres to authorized recycling/dismantling facilities, and pre-consumed E-waste from manufacturing units to recycling facilities. The second major point is the storage and channelization of E-waste in an environmentally safe manner by reverse logistics partners. The third point is safe and environmentally sound segregation and recycling by well-trained and equipped workers.
- Where does recycle e waste is used?
Following the collection and environmental segregation process, materials such as copper, zinc, lead, aluminium, plastic, etc., are sent to different industries for the smelting process to remake products after recycling. Hazardous waste is sent to a hazardous recycling facility. Reusable components and spare parts are sent to refurbishment facilities or service centres of the product.
- How can an individual re cycle their e waste?
Individual consumers can either send their end-of-life products for refurbishment or visit www.foxxinternational.com to locate a nearby collection centre to send their EEE. They can also call a toll-free number, 1800-102-0584, or email [email protected] to arrange for the collection of their EEE from their location via a reverse logistic partner. Upon recycling, we provide a recycling certificate along with cash or points that can be redeemed at the brand’s service centre or authorized distributor for purchasing new products.
- How does recycling e waste contribute to the sustainability of environment?
As India progresses, so does its dependence on electronic devices, ranging from smartphones to computers to televisions. Unfortunately, the increased use of these devices has led to a surge in electronic waste or e-waste, which is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention.
The primary concern with e-waste is that it contains hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium that pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Exposure to these materials can lead to respiratory problems, neurological damage, and other health issues. Additionally, e-waste contributes to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which can worsen climate change.
- What is your expansion plan for Foxx International?
We have already initiated waste management programs for plastic and battery waste, and are currently working on them with renowned investors who are interested in investing in the sector. Our goal for the next five years is to establish recycling units for e-waste, plastic waste, and battery waste in every region across India, set up over 100 collection centres throughout the country, and recycle/dispose of 500,000 metric tons annually. We aim to be present at every sea and air cargo port in India within the next 2-3 years. Our focus is to promote a healthy environment by providing compliance services and creating awareness about waste management among both consumers and producers. With our guidance, every brand can establish itself as a benchmark in its respective industry. We are committed to providing the necessary solutions to help brands achieve their business goals. Our simple mission is to maximize the number of brands in our clientele through our reliable and satisfactory services.
