UPSC Prelims 2021 Q16: Environment & Ecology – Pollution & Waste Management
- (a) environmentally responsible prac - tices in electronics recycling industry
- (b) ecological management of ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ under the Ramsar Convention
- (c) sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands
- (d) Environmental Impact Assessment’ in the exploitation of natural resources
Answer: (a) environmentally responsible prac - tices in electronics recycling industry
Explanation
R2 Code of Practices: E-Waste Recycling Standard
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| What is R2? | Responsible Recycling (R2) is a global certification standard for the electronics recycling and refurbishment industry. |
| Issued by | Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), a US non-profit. First released in 2008; latest version R2v3 (2020). |
| What it covers | Environmentally sound management of end-of-life electronics: reuse, refurbishment, materials recovery, worker safety, data security, downstream tracking. |
| Why it matters for India | India generated ~1.7 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022. R2 certification is used by formal recyclers like Attero, Cerebra, Namo eWaste. |
Answer: (a) environmentally responsible prac - tices in electronics recycling industry.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. R2 Code of Practices is a certification standard for the electronics recycling industry, promoting environmentally sound management of e-waste globally.
- (b) Incorrect. Wetlands under Ramsar Convention are governed by the Ramsar Handbooks and CEPA, not R2.
- (c) Incorrect. Agricultural sustainability follows codes like GAP, Organic certification, NPOP, not R2.
- (d) Incorrect. EIA in India follows the EIA Notification 2006 under Environment (Protection) Act 1986, not R2.
Key point
R2 = Responsible Recycling standard for e-waste industry. Issued by SERI (US). Covers reuse, refurbishment, data security, worker safety. Not for wetlands, agriculture, or EIA.
Remember
R2 Code of Practices (Responsible Recycling) is a certification standard for the electronics recycling and refurbishment industry, issued by SERI (US non-profit). It ensures environmentally sound management of e-waste, worker safety and data security. Correct answer: (a).
Common mistakes
- Confusing R2 with other environmental codes like GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) or ISO 14001. R2 is specifically for electronics recycling.
- Assuming R2 is an Indian standard. It is a US-origin global certification (SERI).
- Missing the link to India's E-Waste Management Rules 2016 (amended 2022), which recognise R2 as a credible certification.
Exam tip
E-waste standards: R2 (US-SERI), e-Stewards (BAN), WEEELABEX (EU), India's E-Waste Rules 2016/22. India is the third largest e-waste generator after China and US. Formal recyclers are shifting to R2 certification for export credibility.
Sources
- Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) - R2 Standard v3
- E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 (amended 2022), MoEFCC