Global E-Waste Crisis And India’s Role

• The Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, released by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and Fondation Carmignac, provides an in-depth analysis of the escalating global e-waste crisis. 
• The report highlights the rapid increase in electronic waste generation and the challenges associated with its management and recycling.

Key Findings

• Global E-Waste Generation: In 2022, the world produced a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste, marking an 82% increase from 2010 levels. This figure is projected to rise to 82 million tonnes by 2030, driven by factors such as technological advancements, higher consumption rates, and shorter product life cycles.
• Recycling Rates: Despite the surge in e-waste, only 22.3% was formally collected and recycled in 2022. This disparity between generation and recycling rates underscores the urgent need for improved e-waste management strategies.
• Regional Disparities: Europe led in both e-waste generation and recycling rates, with 17.6 kg per capita generated and 42.8% recycled. In contrast, Africa faced challenges with low recycling rates, processing less than 1% of its e-waste.
• Economic Impact: The improper disposal of e-waste results in significant economic losses, with an estimated $62 billion worth of recoverable materials left uncollected in 2022. Additionally, the environmental and health costs associated with inadequate e-waste management are substantial.

What is E-Waste?

• E-Waste, or Electronic Waste, refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) that is no longer useful, wanted, or in working condition. 
• This includes a wide range of devices and components that have reached the end of their life or have been replaced by newer technology.

Examples of E-Waste:

• Consumer electronics: Smartphones, laptops, tablets, televisions, and cameras
• Household appliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens
• IT and telecommunications equipment: Servers, routers, modems, printers
• Lighting equipment: Fluorescent lamps, LED bulbs
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
• Electrical tools: Drills, saws, sewing machines
• Toys, leisure, and sports equipment: Video game consoles, electric trains, treadmills

Also Includes:

• Rejects from manufacturing processes
• Defective units from refurbishment or repair workshops
• Outdated or obsolete devices that are no longer compatible with current technologies

Why is E-Waste a Concern?

• E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally and poses multiple risks:
  • Environmental hazards: E-waste contains over 1,000 harmful substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. If not handled properly, these can contaminate soil, water, and air.
  • Health risks: Informal recycling using crude methods (like open burning) can lead to respiratory problems, cancer, neurological damage, and birth defects.
  • Wasted resources: E-waste contains valuable materials like gold, silver, copper, and rare earth metals that can be recovered and reused if properly recycled.

India's E-Waste Landscape

• India, ranked as the third-largest e-waste generator globally, produced approximately 4.1 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022, following China and the United States. 
• The country's e-waste management is characterized by:
  • Informal Recycling Sector: Around 85% of e-waste is processed by the unorganised sector, often using hazardous methods that pose environmental and health risks.
  • Recycling Rates: In 2023-24, India recycled 43% of its e-waste, a slight improvement from previous years but still below the desired levels.
  • Regulatory Measures: The Indian government has implemented the E-Waste (Management) Rules, with significant amendments in 2022 and 2024, aiming to formalise the recycling sector and promote a circular economy.

India's Regulatory Framework

• India's approach to e-waste management is governed by several key regulations:
  • E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2011: Introduced the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), holding producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products.
  • E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022: Expanded the scope to include 106 categories of electrical and electronic equipment and mandated bulk consumers to dispose of e-waste through registered recyclers.
  • E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024: Introduced measures such as:
    • Relaxation of timelines for filing returns or reports by manufacturers, producers, refurbishers or recyclers for a period not exceeding nine months.
    • Establishment of platforms by the Central Government for the exchange or transfer of EPR certificates.
    • Determination of the exchange price of EPR certificates between the highest and lowest prices fixed by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Global Initiatives

• Several international efforts aim to address the e-waste challenge:
  • The Basel Convention: Aims to control the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, including e-waste.
  • The Global E-Waste Statistics Partnership (GESP): A collaboration between UNU and ITU to monitor and report on global e-waste trends.
  • E-Waste Challenge: An initiative by the World Economic Forum to promote sustainable e-waste management practices.
  • R2 Code of Practices: A standard promoting environmentally responsible practices in the electronics recycling industry.

Technological Innovations

• India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has developed indigenous technologies for the recovery of precious metals and plastics from e-waste. 
• These innovations aim to reduce dependence on imports and enhance the efficiency of recycling processes.