India generated 1.75 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022–23 — a staggering 72.5% increase in just five years. However, only about 16% of this waste is formally recycled, while the remaining majority is handled informally, often in unsafe and environmentally hazardous conditions. Despite an estimated $6 billion potential in recoverable metals and components, the sector remains under-regulated and vastly underutilized.
These rules replaced the 2011 framework and strengthened e-waste governance with several key provisions:
Replacing the 2016 rules, the 2022 regulations introduced a more digitized and transparent system to enhance compliance and accountability:
Despite comprehensive rules, enforcement remains weak due to understaffed SPCBs and limited inspection capacity.
Nearly 85–90% of e-waste is processed by unregulated informal workers using unsafe methods such as open burning and acid baths.
Inadequate collection centers, particularly in Tier-II cities and rural areas, restrict safe disposal options.
Most households remain unaware of e-waste disposal norms or lack incentives to participate in formal recycling channels.
Absence of real-time, granular data on e-waste generation, collection, and recycling impedes effective policymaking.
India still depends heavily on imported high-end recycling machinery, with limited domestic innovation or technology transfer.
Integrate informal workers into the formal system through training, financial support, and access to authorised recyclers, ensuring safety and livelihood protection.
Mandate urban local bodies to establish accessible e-waste collection points and organize regular collection drives in both urban and semi-urban areas.
Introduce consumer incentives such as cashback, vouchers, or tax credits for returning electronic waste through authorised channels.
Enhance third-party verification and data audits via the digital EPR portal to ensure genuine compliance by producers and recyclers.
Encourage Indian start-ups in clean e-waste recycling through tax breaks, innovation grants, and R&D partnerships.
Include e-waste management under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 to align it with national cleanliness and waste management initiatives.
India’s e-waste management policies under the 2016 and 2022 frameworks are robust in design but weak in implementation. With almost 90% of e-waste still processed informally, the focus must now shift to formalisation, EPR enforcement, consumer engagement, and infrastructure expansion. A well-regulated recycling ecosystem can transform e-waste from a growing environmental hazard into a valuable economic and strategic resource.
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