Page 26 - CIJ Dec 2023 - Digital Edition

Cover Story

The E-Waste Equation

India’s electronics industry, a dynamic and rapidly growing

sector, faces a formidable challenge: the escalating
accumulation of electronic waste, or e-waste. As the
third-largest producer of e-waste globally, India generates

approximately 3.2 million tonnes annually, a reflection of the
nation’s expanding digital footprint. This burgeoning volume

is largely propelled by the IT sector, which contributes
to 8% of the nation’s GDP and is characterised by rapid
technological advancements and swift obsolescence of

electronic devices.

he magnitude of this figure that positions India as the Legislative Framework
e-waste crisis is a third-largest e-waste producer
pressing environmental globally. This number is not just & Policies
and public health issue. indicative of the volume but The foundation of legal
TWith only about 5% also of the rapid pace at which structure in India for e-waste
of India’s total e-waste being e-waste accumulates, reflecting management is the E-Waste
formally recycled, the rest often a compound annual growth rate (Management) Rules, first
ends up in informal recycling of about 30%. In comparison, the introduced in 2016 and
hubs, leading to hazardous global e-waste generation stands subsequently revised in
environmental and health impacts. at around 53 million tonnes per 2022. These rules represent a
As India continues its stride year, with India contributing a comprehensive effort by the
in technological innovation, it significant portion to this total. Indian government to regulate
is confronted with the urgent The electronics industry in the e-waste sector, which is
need to develop sustainable and India, a major driver of the increasingly vital given the
effective e-waste management nation’s economy, plays a country’s escalating e-waste
solutions. This necessity substantial role in this scenario. challenges.
transcends environmental With a booming IT sector and The E-Waste Management
obligations, becoming integral a rapidly expanding consumer Rules of 2022 have expanded
to the responsible growth of its electronics market, the lifecycle the scope and accountability
electronics industry and the well- of electronic products has within the e-waste management
being of its populace. dramatically shortened. This ecosystem. They extend to cover
trend results in increased disposal not only manufacturers and
Scale of E-Waste in rates of electronic items like producers but also refurbishers,
India computers, smartphones, and dismantlers, and recyclers. A
significant amendment in these
other gadgets. For instance,
Currently, India generates computer equipment alone rules is the broadened list of
approximately 3.2 million accounts for nearly 70% of the electronic items now categorised
tonnes of e-waste annually, a e-waste generated in India. under e-waste, which includes

DECEMBER 2023•Clean India Journal
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