Over 90% of the e-waste generated in the country finds its way into the hands of the informal waste management sector
Representative photo: iStock In an era characterised by technological advancements and the increasing affordability of internet access, electronic products have become indispensable components of modern daily existence.
This surge in electronic adoption has contributed significantly to improved living standards for a substantial portion of the global population. However, the flip side of this digital revolution is the alarming growth in electronic waste.
E-waste is the byproduct of electronic and electrical equipment reaching the end of its intended lifespan or becoming obsolete due to rapid technological progress. This category encompasses a vast array of devices, including computers, servers, monitors, printers, cellular phones, and televisions, among others.
In the age of rapid technological advancement, the replacement cycle for electronic gadgets has also grown shorter. Consequently, consumers are discarding older models at an alarming rate in their pursuit of the latest innovations, further exacerbating the burgeoning problem of e-waste.
India, in particular, has emerged as a significant contributor to the e-waste predicament. According to the United Nations’ Global E-Waste Monitor 2020, India now ranks as the world’s third-largest e-waste generator, following only China and the USA.
In 2021-2022, India generated an estimated 1.601 million tonnes of e-waste, yet only approximately 0.52 million tonnes were collected and processed. To ensure a cleaner environment and protect the well-being of workers and communities, there is a compelling need for a concerted global and national commitment to tackle the burgeoning challenge of electronic waste.
The management of e-waste presents substantial environmental and human health risks, especially in middle- and low-income countries that frequently lack formal e-waste management infrastructure. In these areas, the informal sector bears the brunt of e-waste management responsibilities.
Unsurprisingly, over 90 per cent of the e-waste generated in the country finds its way into the hands of the informal waste management sector. Unfortunately, these informal practices are often unscientific and have severe environmental and health consequences.
One of the most pressing concerns revolves around the health of workers engaged in the informal waste management sector. Many of these labourers hail from vulnerable sections of society and remain unregistered, lacking awareness of their rights.
Consequently, they are exposed to hazardous substances such as mercury and lead during unsafe e-waste recycling activities. Operating in environments devoid of proper ventilation or personal protective equipment, these workers are at high risk of sustaining physical injuries and chronic health issues.
The negative environmental externalities stemming from the existing scale of informal sector-led e-waste management are equally concerning. The mishandling of electronic waste severely impacts the environment, affecting air, water and soil quality.
During informal disposal methods like dismantling, shredding, or melting components, dust particles and chemicals are released into the environment, contributing to air pollution and harming respiratory health.
Additionally, the improper disposal of electronic trash in landfills or illegal dumping areas allows chemicals to seep into the soil, contaminating groundwater and affecting crops. This contamination has detrimental effects on agriculture, leading to reduced productivity and health risks.
The consequences of improper e-waste disposal extend beyond immediate public health concerns, as they can persist for generations, polluting ecosystems and threatening communities. Addressing these critical issues requires acknowledging the informal sector as a vital stakeholder in future e-waste management frameworks and policies.
This recognition sets the stage for collective efforts to mitigate the environmental and human health risks associated with e-waste.
In light of the challenges posed by the rapid growth of e-waste in India and the urgent need for effective management, significant strides have been made through legislative actions and policy reforms.
India introduced e-waste (Management and Handling) rules in 2011, marking a significant milestone with the inclusion of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). EPR mandated producers to take responsibility for the safe disposal of electronic and electrical products once they reached the end of their lifecycle, a critical step in tackling the issue.
However, despite these initial efforts and subsequent amendments, a substantial portion of e-waste continues to be mishandled by the informal sector, leading to severe health and environmental consequences.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Centre, in November 2022, announced the new E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which came into effect on April 1, 2023. Notably, the new E-Waste rules broaden the scope of covered items to include over 100 types of electronic equipment across seven broad categories, aligning with the evolving landscape of electronic consumption. However, further improvements are needed, particularly in achieving a more comprehensive coverage under EPR.
While regulatory measures are essential, public awareness and education are equally crucial components of effective e-waste management. To achieve this, stricter guidelines and regulations are needed to enhance public understanding. Alternatively, mandating producers to collaborate with grassroots-level organisations in conducting awareness campaigns holds the potential for a more profound impact.
Looking ahead, a multi-pronged approach is necessary to combat the e-waste challenge effectively. Simultaneously, focusing on sustainable consumption practices and encouraging manufacturers to produce environmentally friendly products with longer lifespans and recyclable materials can significantly mitigate the e-waste problem in the long run. Achieving these objectives will require collaboration and partnerships among various stakeholders, including the informal sector engaged in e-waste management.
Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth
Neha Chauhan is a research associate at Social Policy Research Foundation (SPRF). Headquartered in New Delhi, SPRF is a policy think tank seeking to make public policy research holistic and accessible.
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