In the midst of a technological boom and increased internet accessibility, electronic devices have become integral to modern daily life, fostering improved living standards globally. However, this digital evolution has given rise to a concerning byproduct – electronic waste or e-waste.
As obsolete devices pile up due to rapid technological advancements, especially in nations like India, the disposal of electronic gadgets has reached alarming rates.
India As The World’s Third Largest E-Waste Generator
Despite India being the world’s third-largest e-waste generator, accounting for 38% of the 53.6 million tonnes produced globally in 2019, the per-capita generation remains below the global average. The urgent need for effective e-waste management is underscored by the stark disparity between the 16.01 lakh tonnes of e-waste generated in 2021-22 and the meager 5.27 lakh tonnes collected and processed.
In countries with insufficient e-waste management infrastructure, like many middle- and low-income nations, the informal sector takes the lead in handling e-waste. India, where over 90% of e-waste is managed informally, exemplifies the global phenomenon. This informal approach, however, poses severe environmental and health risks.
Environmental and Human Health Risks of E-Waste
Workers in this sector, often unregistered and unaware of their rights, face exposure to hazardous substances like mercury and lead during unsafe e-waste recycling activities. Shockingly, even children as young as five are found engaged in these activities, impacting their physical and mental development.
The environmental fallout includes air, water, and soil pollution from improper disposal methods, contributing to respiratory issues, cancers, and chronic illnesses. This contamination extends to agriculture, reducing productivity and posing health risks.
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Way Forward
To address the escalating e-waste challenge in India, legislative actions and policy reforms have been pivotal. The introduction of e-waste rules in 2011, with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), marked a significant step. However, despite subsequent amendments, a substantial portion of e-waste remains mishandled by the informal sector, prompting the Indian government to unveil the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
In effect since April 1, 2023, these rules broaden the covered items to over 100 types of electronic equipment and mandate registration on a centralized digital portal. While commendable, further improvements are needed, particularly in achieving comprehensive coverage under EPR.
Public awareness, education, and sustainable consumption practices are equally crucial components. The new rules aim to enhance oversight through a digital platform developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Stricter guidelines and regulations, coupled with producer collaboration with grassroots organizations for awareness campaigns, can significantly impact public understanding. A multi-pronged approach involving sustainable consumption practices and responsible manufacturing, along with collaborations across stakeholders, is essential for effective e-waste management.
With India at the forefront of e-waste generation, the implementation of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, serves as a foundation for a more sustainable future. However, the journey to effective e-waste management demands continual improvements, especially in EPR coverage.
The holistic approach involves not only robust regulations but also heightened public awareness and education, fostering sustainable consumption practices and responsible manufacturing.
Through collective efforts and partnerships across sectors, India can pave the way for a future where electronic waste is managed effectively, mitigating its detrimental impacts on the environment and human health.
The statistics highlight the urgency of these measures, with India generating 16.01 lakh tonnes of e-waste in 2021-22, while only 5.27 lakh tonnes were collected and processed. The global projection of e-waste reaching 74.7 million tonnes by 2030 emphasizes the critical need for immediate action to tackle this growing crisis.
Feature image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: SPRF, The Times Of India, Business Today
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: third, e-waste, generator, third e-waste generator, China, USA, sustainable, e-waste rules 2022, pollution, environmental concerns, immediate action, responsible manufacturing, EPR coverage, Central government, India
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