Why in news?
Reports in early October highlighted that India generated around 2.2 million tonnes of electronic waste in 2025—an increase of 150 percent since 2017–18. Public health experts warned that unregulated recycling is causing serious health problems for workers and nearby communities.
What is e‑waste?
E‑waste refers to discarded electronic devices such as mobile phones, computers, televisions and batteries. Rapid technological change and consumerism shorten product lifecycles, leading to large volumes of obsolete gadgets.
Sources and scale in India
- Nearly 65 major cities generate 60 percent of India’s e‑waste. Large manufacturing hubs and IT parks contribute significantly.
- The informal sector handles around 90 percent of recycling. Workers dismantle devices manually without protective gear.
- Only about 43 percent of e‑waste reaches authorised recycling facilities despite strict Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules.
Health and environmental hazards
- Respiratory illnesses: Burning circuit boards releases toxic fumes, causing bronchitis, asthma and lung cancer.
- Neurological damage: Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium affects brain development and can lead to cognitive impairment, especially in children.
- Skin disorders: Direct contact with chemicals during dismantling leads to burns and chronic skin conditions.
- Water and soil contamination: Improper disposal of batteries and components leaches toxins into groundwater and farmland, affecting crops and livestock.
Policy response
- The E‑Waste (Management) Rules 2022 implement extended producer responsibility, requiring manufacturers to take back and recycle a portion of their products.
- A digital portal tracks collection targets and recycling certificates. Violations attract penalties.
- Some state governments offer incentives for formal recyclers and organise e‑waste collection drives in schools and offices.
Challenges
- Lack of awareness among consumers leads to improper disposal.
- High cost of formal recycling encourages businesses to sell scrap to informal dealers.
- Piecemeal enforcement allows illegal dismantling units to operate in urban slums and industrial areas.
Way forward
- Integrate informal workers into formal recycling units through training and social security benefits.
- Strictly enforce EPR targets and penalise manufacturers that under‑report waste.
- Promote design for environment—encourage companies to make products that are easier to repair and recycle.
- Run large‑scale awareness campaigns on safe disposal and collection points.
Balancing the convenience of digital devices with public health requires robust regulation, corporate responsibility and consumer awareness.