Since 2018, International E-Waste Day has been commemorated on the 14th of October. The objective of this day is to raise global consciousness about the substantial amounts of e-waste generated annually, which pose a threat to the environment and natural resources. In order to enhance the management of e-waste, the Principal Bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) made a directive earlier this year to enforce the E-Waste (Management) Rules of 2016.
The Role of Individuals in E-Product Circularity
The theme for this year’s International E-Waste Day underscores our individual responsibilities in achieving the circularity of e-products. As projected by the United Nations, by 2021, each person on Earth would produce an average of 7.6 kg of e-waste, contributing to a total global e-waste mass of 57.4 million tonnes. Only a meagre 17.4% of this e-waste, which comprises hazardous compounds and precious materials, would be correctly collected, processed, and recycled.
An Overview of E-Waste
E-Waste, a term for Electronic-Waste, refers to aged, end-of-life or discarded electronic appliances including their constituents, consumables, parts and spares. E-Waste is classified into 21 types under two general categories: Information technology and communication equipment, and consumer electrical and electronics. In India, regulations for the management of e-waste have been active since 2011, mandating only authorized dismantlers and recyclers to collect e-waste.
Laws and Initiatives on E-Waste Management in India
The E-Waste (Management) Rules of 2016 was implemented in 2017. Recently, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh established India’s inaugural e-waste clinic to segregate, process and dispose of waste from household and commercial units. Despite its initial negligence towards e-waste, the Basel Convention (1992) addressed e-waste issues in 2006 (COP8). The Nairobi Declaration, which was adopted at COP9 of the Basel Convention, sought innovative solutions for environmentally sound management of electronic wastes.
E-Waste Generation Statistics
Predictions for this year’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) yield amount to approximately 57.4 million tonnes (MT), outweighing Earth’s heaviest manmade object, the Great Wall of China. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India’s e-waste generation surged from 7 lakh tonnes in 2017-18 to over 10 lakh tonnes in 2019-20. Comparatively, the e-waste dismantling capacity has stalled at 7.82 lakh tonnes since 2017-18.
Challenges in E-Waste Management in India
In India, e-waste management faces many obstacles. Consumer reluctance in recycling used electronic devices is a significant issue. However, ‘right to repair’ laws are being actively pursued globally. Additionally, around 450,000 child laborers between the ages of 10-14 are engaged in various e-waste activities without proper protection in yards and recycling workshops.
Legislative ineffectiveness is another major hindrance, with sparse public data available on State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/PCC websites. Health risks arise due to the presence of over 1,000 toxic materials in e-waste that can contaminate soil and groundwater. The lack of clear guidelines and incentives for the informal sector to handle e-waste is also a concern. Furthermore, about 80% of e-waste in developed countries intended for recycling is transferred to developing countries such as India, China, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Concerns regarding e-waste management also extend to issues of coordination among responsible authorities and potential security risks due to sensitive personal information being left on end-of-life computers.
Future Directions for E-Waste Management
Various startups and companies in India have now begun to collect and recycle electronic waste. There is a dire need for improved implementation methodologies and inclusive policies to validate the informal sector’s contribution to meeting our recycling targets in an environmentally sound way. Additionally, successful waste collection depends on the involvement of every stakeholder, including consumers.
