The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): India has made notable strides in e-waste recycling, as demonstrated by the substantial increase in the quantity of e-waste processed over the years. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change revealed that the recycling of e-waste in the country has escalated 22.59 times from 2016-17 to 2021-22.
The data shows a consistent year-on-year increase in e-waste recycling:
– In 2016-17, about 23,330.3 tonnes of e-waste were recycled.
– This figure rose dramatically to 5,27,131.57 tonnes by 2021-22.
The increase is attributed to the adoption of scientific and environmentally sound recycling techniques by registered recyclers. This approach not only protects the environment but also conserves natural resources. Proper recycling of e-waste reduces landfill waste, harmful chemical release, soil and water contamination, thus promoting sustainable development and a circular economy.
To further enhance e-waste management, the Ministry revised the E-Waste (Management) Rules in 2022, which came into force on April 1, 2023. These rules aim to manage e-waste more effectively and establish an improved Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime. Under this regime, manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers are required to register on a portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The new rules are designed to facilitate the transition of the informal sector into the formal sector, ensuring that e-waste recycling is conducted in an environmentally sound manner.
The rules also introduce provisions for environmental compensation, verification, and audit, promoting the circular economy through the EPR regime and scientific disposal of e-waste.
State-wise data for e-waste collected and processed in the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22 shows varying degrees of recycling activity across different states. For instance, states like Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttarakhand reported substantial amounts of e-waste recycling.
This information, provided by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, highlights India’s growing commitment to addressing the challenges of e-waste, a crucial step towards environmental sustainability and resource conservation.
