Context:
Recently, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has released the Global E-waste Monitor 2024, which states that the world’s generation of electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Key Highlights of the Global E-waste Monitor 2024 Report
- Status of E-Waste Management in India
- Strategies for Reducing and Recycling E-Waste Effectively in India
Key Highlights of the Global E-waste Monitor 2024 Report
E-waste Generation Trends:
- Global e-waste generation surged from 34 bn kg in 2010 to 62 bn kg in 2022.
- Projections indicate a further rise to 82 bn kg by 2030.
E-waste Collection and Recycling:
- Only 13.8 bn kg of the 62 bn kg e-waste generated was formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
- Composition: 31 bn kg metals, 17 bn kg plastics, and 14 bn kg other materials (minerals, glass, composite materials, etc.)
Drivers of E-waste Generation:
- Technological progress, increased consumption rates, limited repair options, short product life cycles, growing electronification, and insufficient e-waste management infrastructure.
Informal E-waste Management:
- Due to inadequate formal e-waste management infrastructure, a significant portion of e-waste is managed informally in both high-income and low- to middle-income countries.
Environmental and Health Impacts:
- Improper e-waste management releases hazardous substances like mercury and plastics containing brominated flame retardants.
- A total of 58,000 kg of mercury and 45 million kg of plastics with brominated flame retardants are annually released into the environment.
Regional Analysis:
- Europe: Highest formal collection and recycling rate at 42.8%.
- Africa: Struggles with a low recycling rate (<1%) despite generating less e-waste.
- Asia (Including India): Generates nearly half (30 bn kg) of the world’s e-waste but has limited advances in e-waste management.
E-waste per Capita and Recycling Rates:
- Europe (17.6 kg), Oceania (16.1 kg), and the Americas (14.1 kg) had the highest e-waste generation per capita in 2022.
- Correspondingly, these regions also reported the highest documented per capita collection and recycling rates.
Recycling Rates Based on Equipment Type:
- Heavier equipment like temperature exchange equipment and screens/monitors have the highest collection and recycling rates.
- Toys, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, and e-cigarettes constitute a third (20 bn kg) of global e-waste but have a low global recycling rate of 12%.
- Small IT and telecommunication equipment, such as laptops, mobile phones, GPS devices, and routers, make up 5 bn kg of e-waste, with only 22% being formally collected and recycled.
Policy and Legislative Measures:
- 81 countries have implemented e-waste policies, legislation, or regulations.
- 67 countries have legal provisions on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for e-waste.
- 46 countries have set e-waste collection rate targets, while 36 countries have established e-waste recycling rate targets.
Status of E-Waste Management in India:
- Electronic waste (e-waste) encompasses all old, end-of-life, or discarded electrical and electronic equipment, including household appliances and office information and communications devices.
- Toxic Components: E-waste contains hazardous chemicals and metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, and nickel.
E-Waste in India:
- Global Ranking: India is currently ranked third globally among the largest e-waste generators, following China and the United States.
- Surge in Volume: The volume of e-waste in India surged significantly to 1.6 million tonnes in 2021-22.
- Concentration: 65 cities in India generate over 60% of the total e-waste, with 10 states contributing to 70% of the total e-waste generated.
E-Waste Management Framework in India:
- Regulations of 2008: E-waste management in India was initially addressed within the framework of the Environment and Forests Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Regulations of 2008.
- E-Waste Rules of 2010: In 2011, important regulations known as the E-waste (Management and Handling) Regulations of 2010 were issued under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, featuring Extended Producer’s Responsibility (EPR).
- E-Waste Rules of 2016: In 2017, the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016 were enacted, including more than 21 products under their scope, such as Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and other mercury-containing devices.
- Amendment in 2018: In 2018, the 2016 rules were amended to expand their scope, emphasizing authorization and product stewardship, focusing on the responsibility of producers and stakeholders throughout a product’s life cycle.
- E-Waste Rules of 2022: The Government of India introduced the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, with the primary goal of digitizing the e-waste management process and enhancing visibility.
- Hazardous Substances Restriction: The rules also restrict the use of hazardous substances (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium) in manufacturing electrical and electronic equipment to mitigate their adverse impact on human health and the environment.
Strategies for Reducing and Recycling E-Waste Effectively in India:
Comprehensive Regulatory Framework:
- Create a comprehensive regulatory framework for e-waste collection that includes mandatory registration and licensing of collection centers and recyclers to formalize and standardize the process.
Tax Credit System for Manufacturers:
- Implement a tax credit system to incentivize electronics manufacturers to design products with extended lifespans and repairability features.
- Encourage eco-friendly design practices while discouraging planned obsolescence.
E-Waste ATMs:
- Install E-Waste ATMs in public places, allowing individuals to deposit old electronic devices in exchange for small financial incentives or vouchers for public transportation or essential goods.
- Incorporate educational displays on these ATMs to raise awareness about e-waste recycling.
Blockchain-Based Tracking System:
- Establish a blockchain-based system to track the entire lifecycle of electronic devices.
- Assign each device a digital certificate to record its manufacturing, ownership, and disposal history, simplifying traceability and accountability for improper disposal.
Promote Awareness Through Art Installations:
- Encourage artists to create sculptures or exhibits in public spaces using e-waste materials.
- These art installations visually depict the scale of the e-waste problem and serve as a means to raise awareness about proper disposal and recycling.
-Source: Down To Earth
