Context:
India’s digital growth is driving massive use of electronic devices, leading to a dramatic rise in electronic waste (e-waste). As India moves toward its Viksit Bharat goal, managing this waste stream through sustainable mechanisms such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and fair floor pricing for recycling certificates becomes crucial.
E-Waste Growth in India
- E-waste generation rose 151.03% from 2017-18 to 2023-24.
- Volume increased from 7,08,445 metric tonnes to 17,78,400 metric tonnes.
- Annual increase of over 1.69 lakh metric tonnes signals an urgent need for systemic reform.
What is EPR and Why It Matters?
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Mandates producers, importers, and brand owners to manage their products’ end-of-life impacts.
- Encourages:
- Sustainable design and pricing strategies
- Lifecycle accountability
- Reduction in municipal waste burden
- Promotion of formal recycling systems
E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
- Producers must meet annual recycling targets through registered recyclers. EPR certificates are used to verify compliance.
- Expanded Coverage:
- Includes 106 Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) items from FY 2023–24 (previously 21).
- Inclusion of Bulk Consumers:
- Institutions and offices must dispose of e-waste through authorized recyclers/refurbishers.
- Role of Recyclers/Refurbishers:
- Registered entities manage collection, processing, and reporting of e-waste.
E-Waste (Management) Second Amendment Rules, 2023
- Clause 4 Added to Rule 5:
Focuses on sustainable refrigerant management in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment manufacturing.
E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024
- EPR Certificate Trading:
Government may establish platforms to trade EPR certificates under CPCB-approved guidelines. - Pricing of EPR Certificates:
CPCB to fix EPR certificate prices—maximum at 100% and minimum at 30% of applicable environmental compensation for non-compliance.
Consequences of Improper E-Waste Disposal
- Economic losses:
- Over $10 billion/year due to water, air, and soil pollution
- Over ₹80,000 crore/year in lost critical metals (gold, copper)
- $20 billion/year in lost tax revenue from informal, unaccounted recycling
- Social costs:
- Health hazards and exploitation of informal recyclers (mainly women and children)
- Average lifespan of workers in this sector is less than 27 years
International Conventions on E-Waste Management
- Basel Convention (1989): Controls transboundary movement of hazardous waste; India is a signatory.
- Bamako Convention (1991): Bans import of hazardous waste into Africa.
- Minamata Convention on Mercury (2013): Regulates mercury use; India ratified it in 2018.
- Stockholm Convention on POPs (2001): Restricts persistent organic pollutants; India is a party.
National Framework for E-Waste Management in India
- E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022: Focus on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and recycling through registered entities.
- Hazardous and Other Wastes Rules, 2016: Regulate import, storage, and handling of hazardous waste.
- National Action Plan for Chemical and Waste Management: Aligns with Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions.
Common E-Waste Disposal Methods
- Landfilling: Cheap but causes soil and water contamination.
- Incineration: Reduces waste volume, but emits toxic gases.
- Recycling: Safely recovers metals, plastics, and reduces environmental risks.
Key Issues and Challenges in E-Waste Management
- Informal Sector Dominance: 50–80% of global e-waste handled informally; causes toxic exposure.
- Infrastructure Deficit: Limited authorized collection and recycling facilities.
- Public Unawareness: Consumers and institutions often dispose of e-waste improperly.
- Environmental Hazards: Toxic leachates and air pollution from improper disposal.
Strategies to Strengthen E-Waste Management in India
- Formalize Informal Sector: Train and integrate informal recyclers.
- Adopt Technological Innovations: Use AI/IoT for tracking and efficient recycling.
- Refurbishing Programs: Incentivize reuse and repair (as seen in Germany, EU).
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate citizens about safe disposal.
- International Collaboration: Partner with ITU and other global bodies for tech and capacity building.
Global Best Practices to Learn From
- EU: WEEE Directive, EPR compliance, eco-design rules, and “right to repair.”
- Japan: EPR under Home Appliance Recycling Law; nationwide recycling fee system.
- China: Formalized informal sector via training and incentives under WEEE regulations.
The Need for a National Recycling Vision
- India’s e-waste management must align with its sustainability goals
- EPR floor pricing is central to formalising the sector and unlocking its full potential
- Urgent action is necessary — a 73% rise in five years is a stark warning
- A stable, well-funded system can lead India to global leadership in sustainable waste management
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions
Prelims:
Q. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? (2013)
- Beryllium
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Heptachlor
- Mercury
- Lead
- Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Ans: (b)
Mains:
Q. What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we safely remove the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018)
