A recent report by the United Nations University (UNU), a global think tank and postgraduate teaching institution based in Japan, predicts a 38% increase in global e-waste between 2020 and 2030. UNU’s mission, to tackle pressing global problems related to human survival, development and welfare, aligns with the concerns of United Nations, its peoples and member states.
Understanding E-Waste
E-Waste refers to discarded electronic appliances that have reached their end of life. It falls under two broad categories: Information technology and communication equipment, and consumer electrical and electronics. The term also encompasses their components, consumables, parts, and spares, and includes 21 types of waste.
E-Waste Analysis from 2019
In 2019 alone, there was 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste, representing a nearly 21% increase in five years. Asia generated the largest volume at around 24.9 million tonnes, followed by the Americas (13.1 million tonnes) and Europe (12 million tonnes). Africa and Oceania contributed 2.9 million tonnes and 0.7 million tonnes respectively.
Most of the e-waste consisted of small and large equipment such as screens and monitors, lamps, telecommunication equipment, along with temperature exchange equipment. Regrettably, less than 18% of the e-waste generated in 2019 was collected and recycled. Instead, e-waste containing gold, silver, copper, platinum, and other high-value materials worth at least USD 57 billion was largely dumped or incinerated, rather than collected for treatment and reuse.
The number of countries adopting national e-waste policies, legislation, or regulations has increased from 61 to 78, including India. However, it falls short of the target set by the International Telecommunication Union to increase the percentage of countries with e-waste legislation to 50%.
The Concerns Surrounding E-Waste
E-waste contains toxic elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. These toxins pose significant health risks, including lung cancer, respiratory problems, bronchitis, and brain damage from inhaling toxic fumes and exposure to heavy metals. Furthermore, e-waste is a major environmental hazard causing groundwater pollution, soil acidification, contamination of groundwater, and air pollution due to burning plastic and other remnants.
E-Waste Management in India
In India, structured e-waste management has been mandated under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016. The rules cover e-waste classification, extended producer responsibility (EPR), collection targets, and restrictions on import of hazardous e-waste.
India’s 312 authorized e-waste recyclers can treat approximately 800 kilo tons per year. However, over 90% of e-waste is processed by the informal sector, leaving the formal recycling capacity largely underutilized. Nearly a million people in India who are part of this unregulated recycling sector are exposed to risks without any protective measures or rights.
Improving E-Waste Management
A comprehensive strategy is needed to engage with informal sector workers. Doing so will not only lead to better e-waste management practices but also help in environmental protection, improve workers’ health and conditions, and offer better work opportunities. This could further lead to the creation of employment by identifying and promoting cooperatives, and by expanding the scope of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 to these cooperatives or informal sector workers. The effective implementation of regulations remains the key to managing the mounting e-waste problem, especially in the 115 countries where e-waste is yet to be regulated.