A high-power commission appointed by the apex court has recommended the auctioning of zinc ash, waste oil and batteries lying in various ports in the country to firms which fulfil certain conditions. The commission, headed by M G K Menon, was set up following a petition by the Research Foundation for Science alleging that hazardous wastes were being imported from scientifically advanced countries and distributed to small firms for recycling.

However, these units do not have the know-how or equipment for recycling. As a result, the people around these units located all over the country are facing serious health risks. In its interim report, the commission, after examining the chemical substances lying at various ports, suggested that the wastes could be auctioned to those firms which had valid authorisation from the respective state pollution control boards for handling wastes under the Hazardous Wastes (management and handling) Rules, 1989. The commission has said that these units must hold consent letters from the pollution control boards under the Air and Water Acts.