Overview of E-Waste in India
India's rapid digital transformation has led to significant advancements but has also resulted in a critical environmental and health issue: electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste is the fastest-growing solid waste stream globally and poses significant challenges in India, particularly affecting marginalized communities through informal recycling practices.
E-Waste Generation and Management
- India produced 2.2 million metric tonnes (MT) of e-waste in 2025, ranking it third globally after China and the USA.
- This represents a 150% increase from 0.71 million MT in 2017-18, with predictions to nearly double by 2030.
- Over 60% of e-waste originates from 65 cities, with hotspots in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
- Despite 322 formal recycling units, over half of India's e-waste is processed informally, highlighting inefficient waste management.
Informal Recycling Practices
The informal sector, involving kabadiwalas, scrap dealers, and slum workshops, handles most e-waste using hazardous methods.
- Processes include manual dismantling, open-air burning, acid leaching, and improper dumping.
- These methods release over 1,000 toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and persistent organic pollutants.
- PM₂.₅ levels in zones like Seelampur often exceed safe limits, posing serious health risks.
Health Impacts
The intersection of e-waste exposure with existing vulnerabilities exacerbates health issues, creating a syndemic environment.
- Respiratory Illnesses: Fine particulate matter causes severe respiratory issues, affecting workers significantly.
- Neurological Damage: Neurotoxin exposure leads to cognitive impairments and developmental delays, especially in children.
- Skin and Ocular Disorders: Direct contact without protection causes rashes, burns, and eye irritations.
- Genetic and Systemic Impacts: DNA damage and increased oxidative stress are prevalent, affecting immune systems.
Current Policies and Challenges
- The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, aim to improve responsibility and formalize handling but face weak implementation.
- Only 43% of e-waste was officially processed in 2023-24, revealing gaps in policy enforcement.
- Legal battles over EPR credit prices have created compliance challenges.
Proposed Solutions
- Formalize informal workers by integrating them into the regulated sector with better infrastructure and healthcare access.
- Strengthen enforcement through digital tracking, environmental audits, and empowered pollution control boards.
- Expand medical surveillance, focusing on children in e-waste hotspots.
- Promote innovation in local recycling technologies and decentralized treatment hubs.
- Raise public awareness and integrate e-waste education in schools.
Conclusion
India faces a critical juncture where technology must not come at the cost of health and environmental degradation. Systemic reform is imperative to prevent the silent normalization of this toxic crisis, ensuring technology uplifts human dignity and health.