What to actually check before handing e-waste over to a recycler — beyond just who offers the best price.
It's tempting to just call around for the best rate on old equipment, but the price a scrap dealer offers doesn't tell you anything about what happens to the material afterward, or whether any data on your devices is being handled responsibly.
Whether they operate in line with CPCB E-Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, and can explain their process rather than just quoting a rate.
Whether data destruction is offered for devices with storage, and whether that comes with a certificate naming the specific devices.
Whether you get documentation for the transaction — a receipt at minimum, and a proper certificate if you need it for business or EPR records.
Whether pickup and weighing happen in front of you, rather than material being taken away to be 'assessed' elsewhere.
Be cautious of anyone who won't explain where the material actually goes after collection, or who pushes hard for cash-only, undocumented transactions — both are common patterns among informal operators rather than certified recyclers.
