Ecobraz Emigre FAQ: common questions about e-waste disposal

What is e-waste and what is its importance in waste management?

E-waste refers to discarded electronic waste, including equipment such as computers, cell phones, tablets and electronic components. The correct management of this waste is fundamental to minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring the safe reuse of valuable materials, as set out in Law No. 12.305/2010, which establishes the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS).

What legislation is in force for the proper disposal of e-waste?

The National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12.305/2010) and the regulations of the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR) establish guidelines for the management, collection and disposal of electronic waste. Article 33 of the PNRS highlights shared responsibility for the life cycle of electronic products, requiring the implementation of reverse logistics systems, as detailed in sinir.gov.br and in the regulatory decree no. 10.936/2022.

How does the e-waste collection process work?

The collection of e-waste must be carried out by accredited or authorized entities, ensuring traceability and environmentally appropriate disposal. Scheduling for collection can be done through the electronic system available at ecobraz.org/en_BR/eletronicos. Once collected, the e-waste goes through sorting, dismantling and recycling processes, taking into account current environmental standards and the reuse production chain, in accordance with the standards established by CETESB (cetesb.sp.gov.br).

Is it possible to dispose of storage media safely?

Yes. The safe disposal of hard drives and other storage media is critical for the protection of sensitive information. Specialized services carry out data sanitization, following strict technical protocols to ensure the final disposal of information, in compliance with the General Data Protection Law (Law No. 13,709/2018). To schedule these services, use the specialized platform at ecobraz.org/en_BR/sanitizacao-de-hd.

What are the risks of improperly disposing of electronic waste?

The incorrect disposal of e-waste can lead to environmental contamination due to the release of heavy metals and toxic substances, as well as risks to public health. It also compromises information security, in the case of unsanitized media, and violates current legislation, subjecting non-compliance to fines and administrative sanctions (Art. 55 of Law No. 12.305/2010).

How to comply with shared responsibility in e-waste management?

Efficient e-waste management requires the joint commitment of generators, transporters, recyclers and end consumers, as established by the PNRS. Adherence to reverse logistics systems and the use of certified services, such as the scheduling available at ecobraz.org/en_BR/eletronicos for collection and at ecobraz.org/en_BR/sanitizacao-de-hd for sanitization, ensures legal compliance and sustainability.

Where to consult and follow official information on electronic waste?

Official and up-to-date information can be consulted on the portals of the SINIR, the Ministry of the Environment (mma.gov.br), CETESB (cetesb.sp.gov.br) and official publications from the Chamber of Deputies (camara.leg.br), guaranteeing access to related legislation and regulations.