Management initiative for e-waste

Background

• Advances in electronics, communication, and information technologies, and increased consumers’ affordability and have made Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) indispensable. The waste arising from end-of-life electronic and electric products referred to as WEEE or simply e-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world.
• The Global E-waste Monitor 2020 has estimated 53.6 million tonnes (MT) of e-waste generated globally in 2019 with a growth of 21% in the last 5 years. Only 17.4% was recycled.
• The electronics industry in India is expected to grow at a CGAR of 16.6%, from US billion $ 215 in FY19 to a whooping US billion $ 540 in FY25. India being one of the fastest-growing markets for electronics in the world is the third-largest contributor with 3.23 MT/ per annum of generation after China and the USA.
• The e-waste management is governed by the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016. It was published by Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change.
• The E- Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, came in effect in 2018.
• The disposal of end-of-life EEE products has negative externalities in terms of impact on human health and the environment.
• Deployment of Indigenous and environmentally safe technologies at various stages for e-waste management will offer a unique opportunity for continuous access to critical materials, reduce carbon footprint, ensure self-reliance in producing various rare metals and fulfill the long-term aspirations for a circular economy.