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What you need to know
Samsung and LG are challenging India’s new “floor pricing” policy, which aims to establish a minimum payment for companies engaging in e-waste recycling. According to court documents, the proposed rate is 22 rupees (approximately 25 cents U.S.) per kilogram of recycled material. Samsung has indicated that this new pricing could be “5-15 times higher” than current payments.
Samsung’s apprehensions also stem from international policy adjustments regarding e-waste.
As reported by Reuters, both Samsung and LG are questioning the necessity of India’s revised pricing approach, which targets large enterprises engaged in technology recycling (as noted by SamMobile). The Indian government is seeking higher payments from these companies to ensure responsible e-waste management.
India justifies the proposed changes by highlighting that only 43% of the e-waste generated last year was effectively recycled, with at least 80% handled by informal scrap dealers. To tackle this issue, the government’s strategy includes implementing a mandatory “minimum payment” for recycling consumer electronics.
This initiative, referred to by the government as a “fixed floor payment,” has been criticized by major tech players like Samsung and LG, who express concerns that it may primarily benefit recyclers rather than address the underlying challenges in e-waste management.
While Samsung noted that the planned pricing could elevate costs by “5-15 times,” other reports suggest it may even “triple” current recycling expenses. LG has also commented that imposing additional financial burdens will not effectively help India in achieving its recycling objectives.
A Focus on E-Waste
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The issue of e-waste is gaining traction globally, particularly in regions with high consumption rates. For instance, the European Union has mandated that all smartphone batteries should be removable by consumers by 2027. This initiative, adopted in mid-2023, reflects a broader movement toward sustainable waste management practices among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Additionally, the EU has set ambitious targets for waste collection—63% of portable battery waste should be collected by 2027, and the goal for lithium portable batteries is 80% by 2031.
Consumers also play a crucial role in the recycling process, with options available in various regions to recycle outdated or damaged devices. In the U.S., for example, retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot facilitate proper recycling of electronics. However, availability may vary, so it’s advisable for consumers to research local recycling opportunities.
As a general guideline, individuals can inquire at retail locations selling electronic devices about potential recycling programs.
Source
www.androidcentral.com