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"E-waste Management in India: Current Practices and Challenges"

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Sharif Mohd. Vijay Kumar Kaushal

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 “E-waste Management in India: Current Practices and Challenges”

* Sharif Mohd.
** Dr. Vijay Kumar Kaushal
Abstract:

Electronic waste or e-waste refers to unwanted, obsolete or unusable electronic and electrical
products. Ever increasing usage of electronics and electrical equipment all has resulted in piling
up of e-waste. The current practices of e-waste management in India encounters many
challenges like the difficulty in inventorisation, ineffective regulations, pathetic and unsafe
conditions of informal recycling, poor awareness of consumers and averseness on the part of the
stakeholders to address the issues. India is also facing the problem of e-waste management due
to lack of awareness among people about dangerous effects of e-waste on the environment and
human being through informal e-waste collection and absence of implementation of rules for the
process of e-waste in environment friendly manner. The paper discusses the position of e-waste
in India, the problem associated with it and method used for e-waste management in India.

Key Words: E-Waste, Environment, Toxic Hazardous, Regulations and Environmentally Sound
Management.

*Research Scholar Dept. of Commerce Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.

** Professor Dept. of Commerce Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.

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1.1 Introduction.

E-waste comprises of waste generated from used electronic devices and household appliances
which are not fit for their original future use and are intended for recovery, recycling or disposal.
Such wastes encompasses wide range of electrical and electronic devices such as computers,
hand held cellular phones, personal stereos, including large household appliances such as
refrigerators, air conditioners etc. E-waste contain over 1000 different substances many of which
are toxic and potentially hazardous to environment and human health.

The last decade has seen a tremendous growth in the manufacturing and consumption of
electronic and electrical equipment all over the world. As a consequence of this, combined with
rapid product obsolescence, and lower costs, discarded electronic and electrical equipment or ‘E-
waste’ is now the most rapidly growing waste problem in the world. Most companies today
design their products for planned or perceived obsolescence. This is reinforced through
marketing and retailing practices, and affordability and convenience have taken over from
product durability as primary drivers (Jennifer, 2005). E-waste is an emerging problem as well as
a business opportunity of increasing significance, given the volumes of E-waste being generated
and the content of both toxic and valuable materials in them. The fraction including iron, copper,
aluminum, gold and other metals in E-waste is over 60%, while pollutants comprise 2.70%
(Widmer et al., 2005). Therefore, recycling of E-waste is an important subject not only from the
point of waste treatment but also from the recovery aspect of valuable materials. However the
process of take-back and disposal of E-waste is very complex, which involves various kinds of
products, many people and enterprises, extensive areas, and long time span (sometimes is even
over ten years), it is a huge and complicated system. Electronic waste especially computer waste
is growing exponentially in volume because of increasing demand of information technology and
its application in the national growth process. Various government department, public as well as
private sectors are fast feeding old electronics appliances such as computers, telephones, etc.,
into the waste stream.

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1.2 Source of E-waste in India.

E-waste is being produced by various sources in the country like Govt. sectors, commercial
establishments, institutional sectors, research and developments, household and manufacturing
sectors of the country.

Figure 1. Block diagram of sources of e-waste in India.

Source: (UNEP, DTIE, 2007)

• Individual household and small business as far as PCs emanating from individual
households are concerned; it is difficult to know the exact quantity. Individual
households are not major contributors in India. They account for 22% of total computers
in India. The rest of share, that is 78%, comes from the business sector.
• Large business, institutions, government house and foreign embassies were the earliest
users of electronic products; today they account for 78 per cent of total installed PCs.
Hence, they are the major producers of obsolete technology in India. It is observed that
the total number of obsolete PCs emanating from business as well as from individual
households will be around 1.38 million.
• PC manufacturers and retailers are next on the list of contributors to the e- waste
segment in India. The waste form this sector comprises defective IC chips, motherboards,
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 cathode ray tubes and other peripheral items produced during the production process. It
also includes defective PCs under guarantee procured from consumer as replacement
items. It is estimated that around 1050 tons per year of waste comes from this sector.
• E waste from imports has been biggest sources of PC scrap are imports. Huge quantities
of e-waste such as monitors, printers, keyboards, CPU’s, projectors, mobile phones, PVC
wires, etc. are imported. The computers thus imported are of all ranges, models and sizes,
and functional as well as junk materials.
• Secondary market waste includes TV, computers, mobiles, electric boards etc.

1.3. Research Methodology.

This paper follows an exploratory methodology based on a qualitative review of the

environmental and social aspects in the area of e-waste sector. An exploratory methodology was
adopted due to non-availability of sufficient information on e-waste. Data collected through
comprehensive analysis of qualitative data related to the topic that have been published in
various Government and NGOs’ reports, research papers, news articles, websites etc.

1.4. E-Waste Management in India.

India is the fifth biggest producer of e-waste in the world; discarding 1.7 million tonnes (Mt) of
electronic and electrical equipment in 2014 (Economic Times, 2015). In India e-waste collection,
transportation, segregation, dismantling, recycling and disposal is done manually by untrained
labors in informal sector. Due to low awareness and sensitization, e-waste is terrified along with
garbage which is collected and segregated by rag pickers. E-waste contains reusable and precious
material. Rag pickers sell this e-waste to scrap dealers and run their livelihood. The scrap dealers
supply the e-waste to recycling industries. The recyclers use old and hazardous technologies and
equipment, to recycle/treat the e-waste (Gupta & Kumar, 2014). India produces nearly 12.5 lakh
MTs of e-waste every year, (ASSOCHAM, 2014). India ranks 155 out of 178 nations in
environmental performance index. It also ranks poorly in various indicators like 127 in health
hazards, 174 in air quality, 124 in water and sanitization (EPI, 2014). environmentally sound
management (ESM) of e-waste will also improve ranking of India in these areas. India is being
used as dumping ground of e-waste by many developed nations.

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Figure 2. Shows % share of e-waste imports in India from different countries.

% Share of E-waste Imports

18%
30%
Europe
10%
Rest
US
China

42%

Source- (Economic Times, 2015).

Looking at the country-wise share in India’s e-waste imports, US has a maximum share of
around 42%, China at around 30% followed by Europe at around 18% and rest 10% is from other
countries like Taiwan, South Korea, Japan etc.

Table 1.1. E-waste Generation in India.

Sr. No. State E-Waste Generated Metropolitan E-waste Generated
in MTA Cities and others in MTA
1 Maharashtra 20270.59 Mumbai 11017.1
2 Tamil Nadu 13486.24 Delhi 9729.15
3 Andhra Pradesh 12780.33 Bengaluru 4648.4
4 Uttar Pradesh 10381.11 Chennai 4132.2
5 West Bengal 10059.36 Kolkata 4025.3
6 Delhi 9729.15 Ahmadabad 3287.5
7 Karnataka 9118.74 Hyderabad 2833.5
8 Gujarat 8994.33 Pune 2584.2
9 Madhya Pradesh 7800.62 Surat 1836.5
10 Punjab 6958.46 Nagpur 1768.9
Source - (Rajya Sabha, 2011)

Table 1.1 shows top ten states and cities producing e-waste in India. The 70% e-waste produced
in the country is being produced by ten states only and 60% by 65 cities (Rajya Sabha, 2011).
The growth rate of discarded electronic waste is high in India since it has emerged as an

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Information Technology giant and due to modernization of using electronic products for last 60
years; however, there is no proper disposal system followed in our country that has led to an
enormous amount of e-waste. As there is no separate collection of e-waste, no reliable figures are
available as yet to quantify the e-waste generation. In India, most of the operations related to e-
waste such collections, segregation, dismantling, recycling, and disposals are performed
manually. In the absence of the adequate technologies and equipment, most of the techniques
used for the recycling/treatments of e-waste are very raw and dangerous.

1.5. Future Estimate of E-Waste in India.

According to the report of UNEP, by 2020, the e-waste from old computer would grow by up to
500% from 2007 levels in India while South Africa and China will witness a 200-400% rise in
computer related waste. The e-waste from discarded phone in India will grow by eighteen times
from 2007 levels, whereas in China it is estimated to see a seven time rise in electronic waste
from mobile phones.

Figure 3. Future Estimate of E-waste in India

An assessment conducted by the Manufacturers Association of Information Technology (MAIT)

Indian hardware trade organization state that India produces almost 4, 00,000 tonnes of e-waste
each year. Out of the country’s total e-waste only 5 percent is recycled and about 40 percent of
obsolete and unused computers and electronic products decay in homes and warehouses. Due to
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faster rate of newer model of electronic entering in the market, the e-waste is growing in Indian
market at an alarming rate.

1.6 Challenges of E-waste Concern.

• Low level of awareness among manufacturers and consumers of the hazards of incorrect
e-waste disposal.
• No accurate estimates of the quantity of e-waste generated and recycled available in
India.
• Major portion of e-waste is processed by the informal (unorganised) sector using
rudimentary techniques such as acid leaching and open-air burning, which results in
severe environmental damage.
• E-waste workers have little or no knowledge of toxins in e-waste and are exposed to
health hazards.
• High-risk backyard recycling operations impact vulnerable social groups like women,
children and immigrant labourers.
• Inefficient recycling processes result in substantial losses of material value and
resources.
• Cherry-picking by recyclers who recover precious metals (gold, platinum, silver, copper,
etc) and improperly dispose of the rest, posing environmental hazards.
• No specific legislation for dealing with e-waste management.

1.7. Guidelines for Environmentally Sound Management of E-Waste, as per E-Waste

Management Rules, 2016.

E- waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011 was notified in 2011 and had come into force
since 1st May, 2012. These rules are applicable to every producer, consumer or bulk consumer,
collection centre, dismantler and recycler of e-waste involved in the manufacture, sale, purchase
and processing of electrical and electronic equipment or components specified in schedule – I of
these Rules. Two categories of end of the life electrical and electronic equipment namely

• IT and telecommunication equipment and

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 • Consumer electricals and electronics such as TVs, washing machines, refrigerators air
conditioners and fluorescent and other mercury containing lamps are covered under these
rules. The main feature, of these rules, is extended producer responsibility (EPR). In
order to ensure effective implementation of EPR by producers and to increase their role,
in effective management of e-waste, GoI has notified the e-waste (Management) Rules,
2016 vide G.S.R. 338(E) dated 23.03.2016 which will be effective from 01-10-2016.
Target based approach for implementation of EPR has been adopted in the e-waste
(Management) Rules, 2016. Phase wise collection target has been fixed for producers for
the collection of e-waste, which can be either in number or weight and shall be 30% of
the quantity of waste generation as indicated in EPR plan during first two year of
implementation of rules followed by 40% during third and fourth years, 50% during fifth
and sixth years and 70% during seventh year onwards. Under the e-waste (Management)
rules, 2016 CPCB has been mandated to prepare guidelines on extended producer
responsibility, environmentally sound dismantling and recycling, collection centres,
storage, refurbishment, channelisation, transportation and random sampling for RoHS
(Reduction of Hazardous Substances) testing. In this document all the above guidelines
have been compiled except guidelines on refurbishing and random testing for RoHS
(Reduction of Hazardous Substances) parameters. This document, applicability of rules,
definitions, responsibility of producers, collection centre, dismantler and recyclers are
given in annexures.

1.7.1. Guidelines for Extended Producer Responsibility

• Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is the responsibility of any producer of

electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) for collection and channelisation of e-waste
from end of life product to an authorised dismantler/recycler.
• A producer can implement its EPR either through take back system and/or by setting
up collection centres or both for channelisation of e-waste from end of life products to
authorised dismantlers/recyclers.
• The producers are required to have arrangements with authorised dismantlers/recyclers
either individually or collectively or through a producer responsibility organization

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 spelt out by the producer in its EPR plan which is duly approved by Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB) in producer’s EPR authorisation.
• EPR authorisation is mandatory and has to be obtained by all the producers including
importers, e-retailers/on line sellers/e-bay etc. in respect of EEE as listed in schedule – I
of e-waste (Management) rules, 2016.
• Selling or placing of EEE in the market by any producer without EPR authorisation
shall be considered as causing damage to the environment. Action as envisaged under
environment protuction Act, 1986 shall be taken against the producers who operate
without EPR authorisation.

1.7.2. Guidelines for Collection and Storage of E-Waste.

• After assessing their collection requirement of e-waste producers may device a

collection mechanism which may include take back through dealers, collection centres
or directly through authorised dismantlers/recyclers.
• For collection of e-waste producer may take help of any professional agency like
producer responsibility organisation (PRO).
• Producer may manage a system directly or with a help of any professional agency like
PRO on his behalf for collection of e-waste by involving relevant stakeholders such as
consumer, bulk consumer, informal sector, resident associations, retailers and dealers,
etc.
• Producer may also have an arrangement of collection of e-waste from individual and
bulk consumers as well.
• The producer may publicize their collection system which may include details of their
collection points, bins and collection vans linked to collection centres or take back
system, deposit refund scheme, e-waste exchange, retailers/dealers and PRO etc. for
making collection system effective and workable.
• If take back system is being provided then it should be accessible to any citizen located
anywhere in the country.
• The take-back system so provided may be through their retailers/dealers or through
service centres and may have collection points or bins or drop-off points linked to their
authorized collection centres.
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1.7.3. Guidelines for Collection Centre of E-Waste

Collection centre may collect and store e-waste, on behalf of producer / dismantler /
recycler/refurbishes, and sent such waste to authorised dismantlers / recyclers /identified by
the producer in case of collection on behalf of producers.

• Only those collection centres may operate which are part of EPR-authorisation of the
producers or established by dismantlers / recyclers / refurbishers.
• Collection centres operating on behalf of many producers then all such producers
provide this information in their EPR application.
• Collection centres has to collect e-waste either on behalf of producer or dismantler
or recycler or refurbisher including those arising from orphaned products. Collection
centres established by producers/PRO can also collect e-waste on behalf of
dismantler, refurbishes and recycler including those arising from orphaned products.
• The collection points/bins can be designated places where e-waste can be collected
through residential areas, office complexes, commercial complexes, retail outlets,
customer care stores, educational and research institutions, resident welfare
associations (RWAs). These collection points has to be part of producer’s collection
centres or PRO’s collection centres or producers take back system,
dismantlers/recyclers/refurbishes collection centres.
• Mobile collection vans can be used for door to door collection of e-waste or from
institutions/individuals/small enterprises and such vans shall be linked to collection
centres and if provided by producers shall be part of their EPR plan.

1.7.4. Guidelines for environmentally sound dismantling of e-waste.

• Any person or organisation or registered society or a designated agency or a

company or an association can engage in dismantling of e-waste into their
components by obtaining authorisation from the respective SPCBs/PCCs.
Dismantlers may set up their collection centre details of which shall be entered in
their authorisation. These collection centres shall not require separate authorisation.
• A dismantler can be part of producers/PRO take back /channelisation system.

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Dismantling operation is essentially manual operation for segregating various components/ parts
and sending them to respective users/ recyclers. Directly usable components can be sent to be
used as spare. The other parts can be sent to recyclers/ authorised recyclers depending upon the
nature of the part. For example, steel or aluminium part which contains no hazardous
constituents can be sent to respective recyclers. Other parts which may contain hazardous
constituents have to be sent to authorised recyclers.

1.7.5. Guidelines for environmentally sound recycling of e-waste

• As per these rules any person who is engaged in recycling, reprocessing and
recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment or assemblies or their
component is a recycler. Recyclers may set up their collection centres, details of
which shall be entered in their authorisation. These collection centres shall not
require separate authorisation. Recyclers can obtain raw material such as waste
electrical and electronic equipment or components or used components from
producers/PRO/dismantlers and consumers/bulk consumers.
• The Product of recyclers has to be sent to direct users, other recyclers/authorised
recyclers for further processing. Any hazardous waste generated during the
processing will be sent to TSDF.
• A recycler can be part of producers/PRO take back /channelisation system.

The functions of the recyclers include dismantling along with recovery operation. There shall be
no restriction on degree of operations that can be permitted for recyclers provided they have
requisite facilities. The following processes can be employed by recyclers:

(i) Manual / semi-manual / automatic dismantling operations.

(ii) Shredding / crushing / fine grinding/wet grinding/ enrichment operations, gravity/
magnetic/density/eddy current separation.
(iii)Pyro metallurgical operations - smelting furnace.
(iv) Hydro metallurgical operations.
(v) Electro-metallurgical operations.
(vi) Chemical leaching and CRT cutting.
(vii) Toner cartridge recycling.

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 (viii) Melting, casting, molding operations (for metals and plastics).

Conclusion.

It is fact that the e-waste generation is increasing very fast due to obsolescence of the electrical
and electronic equipment (EEE). People either store the obsolete equipment in their home or sell
it to the local collectors for monetary benefits. Presently there is no legislative binding
framework for e-waste management. In view of that there is no e-waste collection mechanism at
places. E-waste collection, transportation, segregation, dismantling, recycling and disposal is
done manually by untrained labors in informal sector due to low awareness and sensitivity. With
a view to bridge the digital divide, there is exponential growth in the use of electrical and
electronic equipment (EEE) and so there is an alarming effect on the environment and human
health when the ICT wastes are not disposed of scientifically. The legislative work regarding e-
waste had been doing lately in time and is not performing well. Therefore the awareness of
people about e-waste need to be increased and the rules should be properly implemented to
control the rise in e-waste in future. There is an emergent need to have a proper information
system through standardized mechanisms and existing policies, guidelines in line with the
international standards and practices for a healthy e-waste management system.

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