India has been experiencing a surge in industrialisation and urbanisation over the past three decades, and has positioned itself as one of the fastest growing markets for electronics. However, this boom has led to a substantial rise in e-waste generation. E-waste, which includes discarded electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops and appliances, can pose significant environmental and health hazards if not managed properly. According to the United Nations’ fourth Global E-waste Monitor report, released in March 2024, the world’s e-waste generation is escalating at a rate five times faster than documented e-waste recycling. Thus, the management, handling and recycling of e-waste has become imperative in this age of rapid technological progress.
The India story
India’s e-waste management market is a complex yet rapidly evolving domain within its broader waste management industry. As of 2022, the country was one of the world’s largest generators of e-waste, a testament to its burgeoning electronic industry, escalating consumer demands, and the decreasing longevity of electronic gadgets. A report by the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) revealed that e-waste management in the country primarily operates within informal channels, with roughly 90 per cent of e-waste collection and 70 per cent of recycling handled by a fiercely competitive informal sector.
India currently stands third in global e-waste generation, trailing behind China and the US. The e-waste volume in the country surged significantly from 700,000 tonnes during 2017-18 to 1.6 million tonnes during 2021-22. Further, it is projected to generate nearly 14 million tonnes by 2030. This surge is being driven by a parallel explosion of electronic goods consumption in India, with over 17 million TV sets, 148 million smartphones, 14 million refrigerators, 19 million audio devices, and 6.5 million washing machines being sold annually.
There are 10 states across the country that contribute to 70 per cent of the total e-waste generated, with Maharashtra leading the pack, whereas 65 cities generate over 60 per cent. Notably, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal and Delhi are the seven largest e-waste-generating states/UTs.
A notable trend shaping India’s e-waste management landscape is the increasing adoption of green technologies and sustainable practices. With the rise in environmental awareness, more organisations are turning towards eco-friendly e-waste disposal methods, signalling a shift towards a greener future.
Government initiatives
The increasing amount of e-waste generated in India demands effective management and recycling practices. To this end, government policies play a vital role in promoting responsible e-waste recycling. The central government has been sensitive to the challenges of e-waste management and has taken several steps to formalise the e-waste recycling sector.
Revised framework
A significant milestone was the comprehensive revision of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, with the notification of the updated E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, in November 2022 to encourage e-waste collection and environmentally sound recycling.
The scope of the new e-waste policy, implemented in April 2023, was significantly expanded, and the number of units of electrical and electronic items falling under its purview was increased from 21 to 106. A positive move has been that the policy puts more responsibility on the manufacturers of solar PV modules, panels or cells.
However, expanding the coverage to include a wider range of devices is just one facet of the new rules. The government is also focusing on electronics manufacturers, making it mandatory for them to adhere to regulations governing the management of their products’ end-of-life stages. To this end, an improved extended producer responsibility (EPR) regime has been established, making registration mandatory for all manufacturers, producers, refurbishers and recyclers on a portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Further, producers of the newly included electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) have been assigned annual recycling targets. The rules also mandate all producers of EEE and its related components to ensure their products do not contain lead, mercury, or other hazardous substances beyond the maximum prescribed concentration. Additionally, provisions for environmental compensation, verification and audit have been introduced to bolster accountability.
Meanwhile, telcos have raised concerns that the implementation of the new rules could disrupt current 2G and 4G networks, and complicate the deployment of future 5G networks. Another challenge could arise from defining the average life of telecom products. These products, including base stations, routers and modems, fall under e-waste rules with lifespans ranging from 3 to 15 years. However, replacing them may disrupt networks and require significant new investments, adding to capital expenditure amid the ongoing 5G network roll-outs.
Regular inspections
The CPCB has advised state pollution control boards (SPCBs)/pollution control committees (PCCs) to conduct regular inspections of e-waste processing in the informal sector. In line with this, SPCBs/PCCs are taking proactive measures, such as forming inspection teams, issuing notices, closing down operations, and seizing e-waste involved in informal processing.
Ensuring efficiency
The government has introduced a new provision for the generation and transaction of EPR certificates, under this the quantity recycled will be computed based on end products to avoid any false claims.
It is also considering the introduction of an online platform to facilitate the trading of EPR certificates. This proposed platform, developed by the CPCB, is expected to revolutionise the EPR certificate market by ensuring transparency and efficiency, streamlining processes, and promoting better compliance with regulations. As per a notification by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the new platform will be regulated in accordance with government guidelines. The CPCB will establish guidelines for operating the platform and set a price range for EPR certificates.
While these measures represent positive steps, it is crucial to realise that policies must continuously adapt to technological and societal changes, necessitating adjustments and improvements. The evolution of policies can ensure effective management of e-waste and a steady progress towards a more sustainable future.
Challenges in e-waste management
In the telecom industry, an intricate interconnection exists among suppliers, manufacturers and distributors. From sourcing raw materials to assembling components and distributing finished products, each step in the supply chain adds layers of complexity to the e-waste management process. In fact, navigating this network becomes challenging when it comes to tracing the origins of electronic components and ensuring responsible disposal practices. In addition, a lack of transparency and accountability gaps within the supply chain hinder effective e-waste management.
Furthermore, inadequate e-waste recycling infrastructure, especially in economically disadvantaged regions of India, poses a significant challenge. Notably, as devices become e-waste, prioritising data security, safeguarding against breaches, and ensuring secure data erasure from discarded devices become paramount
Net, net, the challenges of e-waste management in the telecom sector are multifaceted and require collaborative action from industry stakeholders, policymakers and consumers.
Steps for the future
A transformative step forward lies in the integration of EPR into the budgetary framework, along with a comprehensive regulatory framework for e-waste collection to formalise and standardise the process.
In addition, the ICEA report has outlined several key strategies to usher in a circular economy for e-waste:
- Collaboration between government bodies and private enterprises to distribute the costs of setting up a reverse supply chain.
- Establishing geographical clusters for device collection and dismantling to optimise recycling.
- Encouraging the development of high-yield recycling facilities to help maximise the value extraction from electronic products, including rare earth metals in semiconductors.
While infrastructural improvements are vital, the success of e-waste management also depends on public awareness and education. Budget allocations for nationwide awareness campaigns will empower citizens to make informed decisions about electronic device disposal.
Bottom line
With e-waste generation growing at an alarming rate, its management through robust policy interventions and active participation of stakeholders has become crucial. However, efforts should be made towards the larger objective of creating a sustainable, resource-efficient future where technology and ecology can coexist harmoniously.
Niha
