Rise in e-Waste Generation

According to the statement of Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change in the Rajya Sabha, India generated 10 Lakh tonnes of e-waste in 2020, which is a 31.6 per cent increase from the previous year (2019). The rise in e-waste is attributed to increased demand and supply of digital equipment due to rise in incomes and standard of living.

Composition of e-Waste in India

  • According to an independent study led by ASSOCHAM-KPMG, e waste from India mainly consists-
  • Computer equipment - 70 per cent
  • Telecommunication equipment such as phones - 12 per cent
  • Electrical equipment - 8 per cent
  • Medical equipment - 7 per cent, remaining is from household e-waste.

India Ranks 3rd in e-Waste Generation

  • According to Global e-Waste Monitor 2020, India is the third largest electronic waste generator in the world after China and the USA and these three countries together contributed 38% of total 53.6 million tonnes (Mt) of e-waste, generated worldwide in 2019.

Challenges in the Management of e-Waste in India

  • Lack of capacity of Urban Local bodies to collect and dispose e waste generated in India.
  • There is lack of good and credible data on e-waste generation, which makes it difficult to create mechanisms to enforce systems for managing e-waste.
  • There is lack of collection and logistics infrastructure, lack of standards for collection and disposal of e-waste and its treatment.
  • Limited awareness of consumers on the hazards of improper disposal of e-waste. Over 90% of the e-waste is still handled by the informal sector, including labourers from the vulnerable sections of the society.

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