E-Waste is unwanted electronic and electrical products that are not working and nearing the end of their "useful life". 

 

Market Trend

The global e-waste management market had a revenue holding of USD 56.56 billion in 2021. It is expected to reach USD 189.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.4% during the forecast period.

 

Types Of E-Waste 

Type 1

Major appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, etc.)

Type 2

Small appliances (vacuum cleaners, irons, blenders, fryers, etc.)

Type 3

Computer and telecommunication appliances (laptops, PCs, telephones, mobile phones, etc.)

 

E-Waste Disposal Cycle

From the recycling centre, specialist waste disposal companies take the discarded electrical products to a reprocessing plant, which is shredded into small pieces.

Once shredded, strong magnets remove ferrous metals, such as steel and non-metallic metals are collected using electronic currents, and precious metals recovery is done.  

 

Numbers In India

Today, India is burdened with 1.8 billion tons of legacy waste, and India produces 3.2 million tons of E-waste, of which just 16% is recycled.

The solution to this waste problem is to reduce, reuse and recycle by taking the support of private sector organizations, which the Pollution Control Board authorizes to recycle these hazardous waste categories.

 

Recycling of E-Waste

Properly recycling E-Waste protects human and environmental health by keeping those devices out of landfills as the landfills already in India are overburdened with the disposal of industrial hazardous waste as per the guidelines laid by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 

Recycling electronic waste, or "e-waste," can help conserve our natural resources and avoid creating more greenhouse gas emissions. E-waste is the fastest-growing solid-waste stream in the world. 

Together let us create an ecosystem where we recycle waste and make environmental sustainability an achievable goal for future generations.

 

I would like to thank my colleague Dr. Salil Sharma for contributing to the article.

 

 

This article was contributed by our expert Gautam Sharma

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Gautam Sharma

 

1. How is e-waste managed and recycled in India?

An informal e-waste recycling sector employs thousands of households in urban areas to collect, sort, repair, refurbish, and dismantle disused electrical and electronic products. It is an unauthorized sector.

 

2. On what does effectively implementing the new e-waste rules critically depend?

The new rules lay emphasis on extended producer responsibility. In other words, producers must take responsibility for the disposal of end-of-life products. For this provision to work, they must ensure that consumers who sell scrap get some financial incentive.

 

3. What innovative techniques can be used for e-waste management?

Buy Back Programs, extended life of electronic items, reuse large electronic items, and donate used electrical and electronic goods to social programs. 

 

4. How are the popular technology manufacturers already trying to reduce e-waste?

• Promote the right to repair
• Reducing waste in the design stage
• Anticipate and embrace legislation

 

5. Which is the most sustainable method for e-waste management? 

The most effective solution to the growing e-waste problem is to recycle raw materials from used electronics.