Over the last five years, India’s e-waste has surged by 73%, increasing from 1.01 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2019-20 to 1.751 million MT in 2023-24. The rising use of electrical and electronic equipment is the main cause of this 72.54% increase, which is closely aligned with global technological consumption trends. The most growth occurred between 2019-20 and 2020-21 when remote work and online learning increased during the COVID-19 epidemic. India’s e-waste surges by 73% highlighting the urgency for sustainable practices in the recycling sector.

The information was based on national-level estimates and was submitted to the Rajya Sabha on December 16, 2024, by Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Without state-by-state data on e-waste creation, these estimates are based on producer sales data and the typical lifespan of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).

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Government Initiatives and Recycling Progress

With the implementation of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which came into effect on April 1, 2023, the government has taken significant steps to address the issue of surging e-waste in India. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is emphasized in these updated regulations, mandating that manufacturers buy EPR certifications from licensed recyclers to satisfy yearly recycling goals. Public institutions, including government buildings and schools, are required to turn over their e-waste to approved manufacturers, recyclers, or refurbishers.

From 2019-20 to 2023-24, the percentage of recycled e-waste rose from 22% to 43%. However, 990,000 MT, or 57% of e-waste, is still unprocessed. According to experts, integrating the extensive last-mile collecting network of the unorganized sector with official recycling systems might improve efficiency.

There are serious environmental worries about the disparity between the amount of e-waste created and treated. Lead, mercury, cadmium, and persistent organic pollutants are among the dangerous substances found in e-waste that, if not disposed of appropriately, can endanger human health and ecosystems.

Experts emphasize the need for better stakeholder participation in the recycling process, fiscal incentives for producers to create recyclable, environmentally friendly products, and sustainable recycling procedures. Despite these suggestions, the government has yet to introduce a tax credit program for electronics businesses developing eco-friendly products. India’s e-waste surges by 73%, highlighting the urgency for sustainable practices and offering both challenges and opportunities to bridge the gap between the formal and informal recycling sectors.

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