E- Waste : Report
India generated 2.2 million metric tonnes (MT) of e-waste in 2025, becoming the third-largest global generator after China and the US. However, informal recycling exposes millions, especially marginalised communities, to serious health risks, making it a major urban challenge.
- E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded or end-of-life electronic devices and equipment. It includes items such as computers, televisions, mobile phones, printers, refrigerators, and air conditioners.
- These products often contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium.
Current Status of E-waste in India:
- Rapid Growth: E-waste generation recorded a 150% surge from the 0.71 million MT recorded in 2017–18. At current rates, this volume is expected to nearly double by 2030 in India.
- Urban Hotspots: The crisis is concentrated in cities, with over 60% of e-waste originating from just 65 urban centers. Key hotspots include Seelampur and Mustafabad in Delhi, Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, and Bhiwandi in Maharashtra.
- Informal Recycling: India has 322 registered formal recycling units with a capacity of 2.2 million MT annually, yet over half of e-waste (43% officially processed in 2023–24) is processed informally or not recycled.
E-waste Management Frameworks in India:
- E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016: It introduced the concept of a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).
- E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022: Under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), producers must meet annual recycling targets through registered recyclers, with EPR certificates ensuring accountability for recycled products.
- Public institutions must dispose of e-waste through registered recyclers/refurbishers, who handle collection and processing.
- E-Waste (Management) Second Amendment Rules, 2023: Under Rule 5 of the E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022, Clause 4 was added to ensure safe and sustainable management of refrigerants in refrigeration and air-conditioning manufacturing.
- E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024: The rules provide for the creation of platforms for trading EPR certificates as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines with its approval.
- The CPCB will set the EPR certificate price range between 30% (minimum) and 100% (maximum) of the environmental compensation for non-compliance.
- Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2025: It introduces a comprehensive EPR framework for non-ferrous metal scrap, making producers responsible for recycling targets rising from 10% in 2026-27 to 75% by 2032-33.
