Electronics Waste Management: An India Perspective

Electronic products play an important role in our society. Electronic products become an integral component of maintaining the quality of life. However, once the electronic products become obsolete, consumers force to discard the products as electronics waste. The disposing of electronics products have various consequences including loss of recyclable materials, recycling cost, appropriate recycling technology for precious metals etc. Issues such as environmental implications in recovering precious materials, elimination of harmful leachate, secured landfills, etc. need immediate attention. Growth of e-waste and lack of appropriate disposal mechanism are the great concern for developing countries including India. Domestic generation as well as illegal import is rapidly growing. Recycling of e-waste is mainly carried out in unorganized units with primitive techniques, having threat to environment and health. The cost effective, environmental friendly solution is an alternative to the crisis. This report discusses the inventory, technology status, legal legislative and existing practices of e-waste management in India and a cost- effective solution.