E-Waste(Electronic Waste), this term describes all types of old, end of life or discarded electrical and electronic equipment, such as household appliances, office communication equipments etc.
E-Waste contains numerous toxic metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium and nickle.
News jungal desk: India currently ranks third among the largest generators of e-waste globally after China and the US.
India has witnessed a significant surge in e-waste with about 1.6 million tonnes in 2021-22.
The Indian Cellular and Electronics Association(ICEA) has released a comprehensive report titled “Pathways to circular Economy in the Indian Electronics Sector”.
Circular Economy means discarded electronics can be given a new life, either as standalone devices or by reintroducing their components and precious metals into new hardware.
It views all materials produced on earth as valuable resources rather than waste.
ICEA Report highlights the urgent need to rethink e-waste management and explore opportunities to harness it’s potential.
It also suggests this transformation could unlock an additional $7 billion market opportunity.
What are the Key Highlights of the Report?
The E-Waste Landscape in India:
According to this Report, e-waste management in India is predominantly informal, with approximately 90% of e-waste collection and 70% of e-waste recycling being managed by competitive informal sector.
The informal sector excels at salvaging older electronic devices for spare parts and profitably carrying out repairs.
Industrial hubs like Moradabad specialize in processing PCB’s(Printed Circuit Boards) to extract valuable materials like gold and silver.
Circular Economy Principles:
This Report emphasizes the need to shift the outlook on e-waste management towards establishing a circular economy.
China serves as an example, targeting the use of 35% of secondary raw materials in the manufacturing of new products by 2030, reflecting a circular economy approach.
Proposed Strategies for a circular Economy in E-Waste:
Public Private Partnership(PPP): Collaboration between government entities and ptivate enterprises is essential to distribute the cost of setting up a reverse supply chain.
It involves collecting devices from the users, erasing personal datas and channeling them for further processing and recycling
Auditable database: The creation of transparent and auditable database of materials collected through the resverse supply chain process can enhance the accountability and traceability.
Geographical Clusters: Establishing the geographiocal clusters where discarded devices are gathered and dismantled, can optimize the recycling process, making it more efficient and cost effective.
Incentivizing High Yield Recycling Centres: Encouraging the establishment of high yield recycling facilities can help maximize the value extraction from electronic products, including the rare earth metals in semiconductors.
Promoting Repair and Product Longevity: Encouraging repair and product longevity and making products long lasting.
This could involve supporting a user’s right to repair and reducing the environmental burden of electronic waste.
E-Waste Management in India:
The main framework for e-waste management is, Environment and Forests Hazardous Wastes(Management and Handling) Regulations ,2008. In 2011 new feature added EPR (Extended Producers Responsibilty).
E-Waste Management Rule, 2016, it includes CFL and other mercury lamps.
In 2018 Amendment Rule ,it emphasizes on Authorization and product Stewardship.
Product Stewardship, it is an approach that emphasizes on the responsibility of producers and manufacturers and other stakeholders for the entire life cycle of a product from its creation to its disposal or recycling.
E-Waste Management Rule, 2022 emphasizes on digitizing the e-waste management process.
It also restricts the use of hazardous substances, such as (lead, mercury) in manufacturing electrical and electronic equipments that have an adverse impact on human health and the environment.
How can India work towards Reducing and Recycling E-Waste more effectively?
Formalizing E-Waste Collection: There is a need to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for e-waste collection, incorporating mandatory registration and licensing of collection centres and recyclers to formalize and standardize the process.
E-Waste Tax Credits for Manufacturers: Implementing a tax credit system that provides incentives to electronics manufacturers for designing products with extended lifespans and repairability features.
E-Waste ATM’s: Installing E-Waste ATM’s in public places, where individual can deposite old electronic devices and in return receive a small financial incentives or vouchers for public transportation or essential goods.
It can also feature educational displays to raise awareness about e-waste recycling.
E-Waste Tracking and Certification: Establishing a blockchain based system to track the entire lifecycles of electronic devices.
Each device could have a digital certificate that records it’s manufacturing, ownership and disposal history.
This would make it easier to trace and hold, responsible parties accountable for improper disposal.
Conclusion: It is needed to come up with a strategy to engage with informal sector workers for better e-waste management practices.Also ensure the environment protection and better health and working conditions for labourers.