India’s rapid digital growth has created a huge surge in electronic waste (e-waste). Recently, the country generated 2.2 million tonnes of e-waste, making it the third-largest producer worldwide. This rise poses serious environmental and health challenges, especially in urban areas where informal recycling dominates. The following sections outline key aspects of India’s e-waste situation and its broader implications.
Escalating E-Waste Generation
India’s e-waste volume has increased by 150% since 2017–18. Urban centres are the main sources, with 60% of waste coming from just 65 cities. Despite 322 formal recycling units with a combined capacity of 2.2 million tonnes annually, over half the e-waste is processed informally or discarded improperly. Informal recycling involves hazardous methods like open burning and acid leaching, releasing toxic substances into the environment.
Toxic Substances and Environmental Pollution
Informal recycling releases more than 1,000 harmful chemicals including heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium. Persistent organic pollutants like dioxins and brominated flame retardants are common. Particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) from burning electronic components often exceeds safe limits by over 12 times in hotspots like Delhi’s Seelampur. These pollutants contaminate air, soil, and water, threatening ecosystems and human health.
Health Risks from E-Waste Exposure
Workers and residents near informal recycling sites face severe health problems. Respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis and asthma are widespread due to inhaling toxic dust and gases. Neurotoxic metals cause brain damage and developmental delays, especially in children, affecting IQ and behaviour. Skin diseases, chemical burns, and eye irritation are common among those handling e-waste without protection. Long-term exposure can lead to DNA damage, immune system disruption, and increased inflammation.
Social and Economic Vulnerability
Most informal workers belong to marginalised communities living in poor conditions. Children often assist in dismantling e-waste at home-based workshops, increasing their exposure to toxins. Poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare worsen health outcomes, creating a syndemic where multiple factors intensify disease risks. Globally, millions of children and women live or work near informal recycling zones, denoting a major social justice issue.
Policy Framework and Implementation Challenges
India’s E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, introduced stronger regulations including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and mandatory registration for recyclers. However, enforcement is weak and informal recycling persists. Only 43% of e-waste was formally processed by 2023–24. Disputes over EPR credit pricing have delayed regulatory progress. These gaps hinder the transition to safe and scientific e-waste management.
Strategies for Sustainable E-Waste Management
Key measures include formalising informal workers through training and protective gear, strengthening pollution control enforcement, and deploying digital tracking systems. Expanding medical surveillance in e-waste hotspots is vital, especially to protect children. Innovation in affordable recycling technologies and decentralised treatment centres can improve efficiency. Public awareness campaigns and education on e-waste are crucial to encourage responsible disposal and recycling habits.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the environmental and health challenges posed by informal e-waste recycling in urban India.
- Critically analyse the effectiveness of India’s E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, in addressing e-waste hazards with suitable examples.
- Estimate the impact of particulate matter pollution on respiratory health and outline measures to control it in industrial and urban areas.
- What are the socio-economic factors that exacerbate health risks in informal sectors? How can policy interventions address these vulnerabilities?
