By Prashant Singh, CEO and Co-Founder, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions
In today’s modern world, technology has simplified our lives in many ways. Wherever we go and whatever we do, technology is an essential part of our lives. From mobile phones that connect us to people far and wide to automobiles that have shortened the distance from one place to another, technology surrounds us. However, this rapidly advancing technological landscape also has numerous downsides. One of them is electronic waste, or e-waste, which is polluting the Earth and leading to numerous health and environmental hazards.
The UN’s fourth Global E-waste Monitor (GEM) in 2024 revealed that the world’s generation of electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling. Meanwhile, in India, electronic waste generation surged over the past five years from 1.01 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2019-20 to 1.751 million MT in 2023-24. The data presented by the Minister of State for the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in the Rajya Sabha on December 16, 2024, highlights the urgent need to address the growing e-waste crisis to promote responsible disposal and circular economy practices.
E-waste is composed of various elements, both toxic and non-toxic. It contains valuable metals such as gold, silver, and copper, as well as hazardous substances like lead and mercury. When e-waste is disposed of irresponsibly, these toxic elements leach into the soil, and water, posing serious risks to human health, contaminating ecosystems, and disrupting biodiversity. Additionally, the valuable metals found in it, which have limited reserves and can be easily reused, are wasted.
Alternatively, when burned, these materials release toxic fumes, polluting the air and contributing to climate change. Long-term exposure to e-waste toxins has been linked to severe health issues, including respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, and even cancer. E-waste poses a huge risk to humans, animals, and the environment.
An effective e-waste recycling program focuses on extracting these valuable materials for further use and conserving virgin raw elements for future use. It also ensures that hazardous components are properly disposed of or treated to prevent the chemicals from seeping into the air, water and soil. Advanced technologies and processes, including hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical methods, are used to enhance resource recovery while minimising environmental impact. Integrating e-waste recycling into broader waste management systems helps reduce the environmental footprint of electronic products and supports a circular economy.
In the past few years, the Indian government has stepped up its efforts to implement stricter regulations and invest in sustainable e-waste solutions to minimise the environmental impact and promote responsible disposal and recycling practices. Data from 2022 suggests that India has quadrupled its e-waste collection and processing in four years. However, 95% of e-waste is still handled illegally by the informal sector. By implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, strengthening e-waste management through the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, setting collection targets, promoting state-level recycling centres, raising public awareness, and supporting formal recyclers, the government has taken several steps in the past years to curb illegal handling and promote sustainable disposal and circular economy practices.
Recycling e-waste is a necessity in the current time, not only to conserve the Earth for future generations but also to ensure the well-being of the present generation. Proper disposal of waste will help conserve resources, reduce pollution, and create a sustainable future. Recycling is not only the responsibility of government bodies or manufacturers; collaboration among all stakeholders is necessary to bring substantial change. Recycling should not be treated as an option but as a collective responsibility toward the environment.
