In the financial year 2022, more than 1.6 million metric tons of e-waste was generated in India and is the 3rd largest producer of E-Waste after China and USA. The volume was more than doubled in comparison with 2018.

A record 62 million tonnes (Mt) of E-Waste was produced in 2022, Up 82% from 2010; On track to rise another 32%, to 82 million tonnes, in 2030; Billions of dollars’ worth of strategically-valuable resources squandered, dumped; Just 1% of rare earth element demand is met by E-Waste recycling.

Yes, E-waste is hazardous in nature due to the presence of toxic substances in the product.

The hazardous constituents in e-waste are heavy metals like lead, cadmium and mercury, polychlorinated-bi-phenyl (PCB), brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and chromium (VI) etc.

E-waste can be hazardous, when it is disposed and treated in environmentally unsound manner. Direct contact of the harmful materials such as lead, cadmium, chromium, brominated flame retardants or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and exposure to toxic fumes may cause serious health hazards. Furthermore, recycling activities such as dismantling of electrical equipment without the use of Personal Protective Equipment as specified by the E-waste Management rules, 2016 may potentially bear an increased risk of injury.

Accumulation of toxic substances by improper recycling methods may cause serious environmental problems. Toxic chemicals and heavy metals leaching into soil and water may cause pollution, while Toxic fumes reach in to the environment and cause air pollution.

We should dispose off our e-waste in proper manner so that it reaches to the authorised recycler for recovery of precious metals and protection of the environment and health from toxic substances contained in E-Waste. This will help us to create a system for circular economy.

• Give your e-waste to the nearest authorised E-Waste recyclers.
• Call to the producer/ manufacturers for E-Waste collection.
• Participate in Recyclers E-Waste collection drives.