Recently, the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 was released.
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The report is funded, and prepared in partnership, by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and Fondation Carmignac.
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the UN system that provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations, and institutions.
SCYCLE, started in 2022, is a program under the UNITAR Division for Planet.
Its mission is to promote sustainable societies with a focus on the development of sustainable production, consumption, and disposal patterns for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), etc.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a UN-specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs).
Key Highlights of the report
E-waste generated: 62 billion kg globally in 2022.
Collection and recycling: 22.3% formally collected and recycled
Just 1% of rare earth element demand is met by e-waste recycling
Increasing rate: After 2010, the world’s generation of electronic waste is rising almost 5 times faster than documented e-waste recycling.
The estimated economic value of metals in the e-waste: ~ USD 91 billion
Region wise e-waste per capita generated: Highest in Europe, followed by Oceania and America.
Policymaking: 81 countries (42% of all countries worldwide) have adopted e-waste policies, legislation, or regulation.
67 countries (including India) have legal provisions on EPR for e-waste.
Findings for India: Ranked 3rd largest e-waste generator (4,100 million kg generated), following only China and the USA.
About E-waste
It includes electrical and electronic equipment, including solar photo-voltaic, discarded as waste without the intent of reuse, as well as rejected from manufacturing, refurbishment and repair processes.
E-waste Management in India
Hazardous waste (Management and Handling) amendment rules, 2003: First time covered the Hazardous materials in e-waste composition.
E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011: Introduced the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016: Introduced the concept of Producer Responsibility Organization.
E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 aim to promote a circular economy through the EPR regime.
E-Waste (Management) Second Amendment Rules, 2023: Its major provisions include-
It provides more clarity to the exemption of reduction of harmful substances.
Determination of the conversion factor of EPR certification generation.
Management of refringent by the producers.
E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024: Its major provisions include-
Relaxation of timelines for filing of returnsor reports: By a manufacturer, producer, refurbished, or recycler for a period not exceeding nine months.
The central Government can establish one or more platforms for the exchange or transfer of EPR certificates.
The exchange price of the EPR certificate is to be between the highest and lowest prices fixed by the Central Pollution Control board
Challenges associated with E-Waste in India
Informal recycling: Around 85% of e-waste is managed by the unorganized sector, primarily consisting of scrap dealers scattered across the country.
Inadequate e-waste management infrastructure: There is a huge gap between present recycling and collection facilities and the quantum of E-waste that is being generated.
E-waste imports: Cross-border flow of waste equipment into India- 80% of E-waste in developed countries meant for recycling is sent to developing countries such as India, China, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Poor awareness and sensitization: Limited reach out and awareness regarding disposal, after determining the end of useful life.
Technological advancement: A focus on electronic solutions and short product lifecycles has raised consumption and e-waste generation.
Other Issues: Limited repair options; adverse environmental impact of improper e-waste handling and recycling etc.
Global initiatives/efforts to check e-waste
The Basel Convention: A global treaty that aims to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between countries, including e-waste.
The Global E-waste Statistics Partnership (GESP): Collaboration between the United Nations University and the International Telecommunication Union to improve the monitoring and reporting of e-waste data worldwide.
E-waste Challenge: A global initiative by the World Economic Forum that aims to create a circular economy for electronics.
E-waste Coalition 2018: A non-binding Letter of Intent was signed by seven organisations from the United Nations system, active in addressing the global e-waste challenge. efforts
Way forward for the management of e-waste in India
Corporate Responsibility: Encouraging companies to adopt green policies, support recycling initiatives, and reduce waste.
Informal Sector: Upgradation of skills of the informal sector through provisions for utilization of Indigenous technology and capacity development.
Recycling and Disposal: Setting up efficient recycling facilities and collaborating with specialized companies.
E.g., Co-locating E-Waste Management Industrial Clusters with Manufacturing Clusters
Technological Development: assessment of technical and technological solutions available in India and globally.
E.g., the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has developed indigenous technology for the recovery of precious metals and plastics from e-waste.
Stringent monitoring and enforcement: Ensure that the provisions of the E-Waste (Management) Rule 2022 and EPR targets are met and there is transparency in information about ‘recycled’ e-waste.
Public Awareness and Education: Informing the public about responsible e-waste management and its impacts, and promoting sustainable behaviors.
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