E-Waste Management Towards a Sustainable Digital Future

          Introduction

• In May 2025, global tech majors LG and Samsung filed legal petitions against the Indian government, contesting the new e-waste recycling regulations that mandate a minimum payout to recyclers under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

• This has reignited the debate on the challenges, policy effectiveness, and the future of e-waste management in India.

What is E-Waste?

• Electronic waste (e-waste) refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) such as mobile phones, computers, TVs, refrigerators, etc., that are no longer useful or wanted.

• It contains:

  • Valuable materials: gold, silver, copper, palladium.

  • Toxic substances: lead, mercury, cadmium, flame retardants.

Status of E-Waste: Global and India

• Global:

  • In 2022, about 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated.

  • Only 22.3% was formally collected and recycled.

  • According to the UN's Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, e-waste is growing 5 times faster than its recycling rate.

• India:

  • In 2023-24, India generated 1.751 million metric tonnes (MT) of e-waste — a 73% increase in five years.

  • India is the third-largest e-waste generator globally after China and the USA.

  • Over 95% of e-waste in India is handled by the informal sector, often using unsafe methods like acid baths and open burning.

Impacts of Improper E-Waste Management

• Environmental Damage:

  • Soil contamination, groundwater pollution, and air degradation due to toxic leachates and burning.

• Public Health Crisis:

  • Causes neurological disorders, respiratory issues, and cancer in workers and nearby communities.

• Climate Change:

  • Releases methane and greenhouse gases from landfills and incineration.

• Loss of Valuable Resources:

  • India loses $10+ billion annually due to poor resource recovery and pollution-related impacts.

• Biodiversity Loss:

  • Ecosystem imbalance due to pollution and improper disposal methods.

E-Waste Management Rules in India

• Regulated by E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Key Features:

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):

  • Producers are responsible for collection, recycling, and eco-friendly disposal of e-waste.

• Mandatory Registration:

  • All stakeholders (manufacturers, recyclers, etc.) must register on the CPCB portal.

• Environmental Compensation:

  • Fines levied for non-compliance with recycling targets.

• Floor Price for EPR Certificates:

  • Protects registered recyclers and deters unsafe informal practices.

Challenges in E-Waste Management

• Infrastructure Limitations

• High Costs of Advanced Recycling Technology

• Rapid Technological Obsolescence

• Product Complexity (multi-materials, miniaturization)

• Lack of Public Awareness

• Inefficient Collection Systems

• Dominance of Informal Sector

• Illegal E-Waste Imports

Way Forward

• Expand and Modernize Recycling Facilities

• Develop Accessible Collection Points Nationwide

• Formalize the Informal Sector through incentives and training

• Strengthen Reverse Logistics Infrastructure

• Public Awareness Campaigns (IEC initiatives)

• Government–Private–NGO Partnerships for innovation

• Strict Monitoring and Enforcement by CPCB/SPCBs

• Promote Eco-Design and Circular Economy Principles

Conclusion

India’s expanding digital economy must be matched by a robust, sustainable e-waste ecosystem.
The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 are a progressive step but require effective implementation, technological investment, and public cooperation.
Moving towards a circular economy and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production) is essential for environmental sustainability and national well-being.