NAVIGATING INDIA'S E-WASTE PROBLEM: POLICIES, PRACTICES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Abstract

E-waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic devices that are obsolete or no longer useful to their owners. This waste stream is highly complex, containing both valuable materials like gold and copp er, and hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Improper handling of e-waste poses serious health and environmental risks. India is currently the third-largest generator of e-waste globally, and the volume is expected to grow rapidly with increasing digitization and consumer demand. Although India has introduced a legal framework for e-waste management under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 and its 2022 amendment, the implementation still faces major challenges. Until recently; most e-waste was handled by the informal sector, using unsafe methods such as open burning and acid baths. With the new rules in place, efforts are being made to regulate collection, recycling, and disposal through formal systems. However, e-waste management remains complex due to the involvement of multiple stakeholders—manufacturers, consumers, collectors, and recyclers. Awareness is still low, and infrastructure for proper handling is lacking in many regions. This paper reviews current practices, the associated risks of unscientific disposal, and the legal mechanisms in place, while highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving effective e-waste management in India.