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Electronic waste, or e-waste, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, driven by rapid technological obsolescence, consumerism, and the digital transformation of economies. E-waste refers to discarded electronic devices—such as mobile phones, laptops, televisions, and refrigerators—that contain both valuable materials like gold, copper, and lithium, and hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium. The dual nature of e-waste—an economic resource and an environmental hazard—makes its management a critical policy challenge for India.

The Scale of the Problem

According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2020, India is the world’s third-largest generator of e-waste after China and the USA. The country produced around 4.17 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2022, yet only one-third was processed through authorized recyclers. With India’s electronics industry projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.6%—from USD 215 billion in FY19 to USD 540 billion by FY25—the volume of e-waste is expected to surge further. This growth is compounded by the increasing number of broadband and smartphone users, currently exceeding 93.9 crore, reflecting expanding consumption and shorter product lifecycles.

Environmental and Health Implications

Improper e-waste disposal leads to severe ecological and health impacts. Open burning and acid leaching—common in informal recycling—release toxic fumes and contaminate soil and groundwater. Heavy metals such as lead and cadmium cause neurological and renal damage, while persistent organic pollutants affect ecosystems and biodiversity. The World Health Organization has warned that children and informal workers face disproportionate exposure risks, underscoring the urgent need for safe handling and regulation.

Policy and Institutional Framework

India’s e-waste management is governed by the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and effective from April 2023. These rules emphasize Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), mandating manufacturers and importers to collect and recycle end-of-life products. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has initiated audits of recyclers to curb “paper trading” and ensure genuine recycling practices. Moreover, a ?1,500 crore Mineral Recycling Scheme was launched in 2023 to recover critical metals like copper, aluminium, cobalt, and lithium, reducing import dependence amid geopolitical supply risks.

Gaps and Challenges

Despite robust policy intent, significant implementation challenges persist. A 2023 Indian Cellular and Electronics Association report highlighted the dominance of the informal sector, which manages nearly 90% of India’s e-waste through unsafe methods. Lack of material traceability, inadequate inventorying by State Pollution Control Boards, and weak enforcement mechanisms further hamper progress. Experts also note the absence of uniform data and poor public awareness about responsible disposal.

Recent Initiatives and Future Potential

Government efforts, such as the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) initiatives, promote indigenous R&D, technology transfer, and a national e-waste catalog through the I-STEM portal. Institutions like CMET, BARC, and NML are collaborating with industries to deploy eco-friendly recycling technologies. Private players such as Attero have begun aggregating informal setups into formal “mandi-style” recycling networks, aiming to recover metals sustainably. With appropriate regulatory and market support, India could meet up to 70% of its rare earth metal needs domestically within 18 months.

Conclusion

E-waste management lies at the intersection of environmental protection, resource efficiency, and industrial policy. Strengthening the EPR mechanism, integrating informal recyclers, improving traceability, and incentivizing circular design are essential for sustainable growth. Effective e-waste management supports India’s commitments under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), and can transform waste into a strategic resource, reinforcing India’s journey toward a green and self-reliant economy.