E-Waste Management in India

Electronic waste or E-Waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment that are no longer usable — such as mobile phones, computers, televisions, refrigerators, etc. These devices contain valuable metals (gold, silver, copper) as well as hazardous materials (lead, mercury, cadmium, beryllium). Therefore, proper e-waste management is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity.

Current Scenario in India

• India is the third-largest e-waste producer in the world — after China and the United States.
• According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, India generated around 1.8 million tonnes (18 lakh tonnes) of e-waste in 2023–24.
• Only 40–45% of the e-waste is formally collected and recycled.
• More than 70% of the remaining waste is handled unsafely by the informal sector.
• Major e-waste generating states: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, and West Bengal.

Causes of Rising E-Waste

1. Rapid Technological Change – Devices become obsolete quickly.
2. Consumerism – Continuous demand for new models.
3. Expansion of E-commerce and Digitalization.
4. Influx of Cheap Electronic Goods.
5. Lack of Awareness and Policy Compliance.

Impacts of E-Waste

Policy and Legal Framework

(a) E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2011

• India’s first comprehensive legal framework.
• Introduced the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

(b) Amended Rules, 2016 & 2018

• Clearly defined responsibilities of producers, collectors, and recyclers.
• Established Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).
• Set collection targets — 30% in the first year, up to 70% by the fifth year.

(c) E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022

• Launched EPR Registration Portal (CPCB) for better tracking and transparency.
• Introduced Recycling Certificates and Credit Trading System.
• Emphasized the “Reduce–Reuse–Recycle–Recover” principle.

Institutional Mechanism

• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): National-level monitoring and policy formulation.
• State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Licensing, inspection, and enforcement.
• EPR Portal (2022): Unified digital platform for data transparency and reporting.
• Recycling Units & Collection Centres: Around 450 authorized facilities across India (as of 2024).

Major Government Initiatives

1. Digital India Mission – Promotes responsible disposal of digital devices along with e-governance.
2. Swachh Digital Bharat Abhiyan – Public awareness campaign on e-waste.
3. Green E-Waste Management Programme – Expansion of formal recycling infrastructure.
4. Startup Support – Encouraging MSMEs and startups in e-waste recycling technologies.
5. Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) – Collaboration between PROs and municipal bodies.

Key Challenges

• Dominance of the informal sector — unsafe recycling without protection.
• Lack of data transparency on actual waste quantities.
• Limited technical capacity — few modern recycling plants.
• Low public awareness among citizens and industries.
• Illegal imports of foreign e-waste into India.
• Slow implementation of circular economy practices.

Way Forward

Conclusion

E-waste is not merely a pollution issue but also a potential resource. By prioritizing circular economy, EPR compliance, and scientific recycling, India can reduce environmental risks and move toward a Green Economy. Sustainable e-waste management strengthens India’s commitment to SDG-12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) and SDG-13 (Climate Action).

“E-waste is not a problem to be buried, but a resource to be recovered.”