India faces an alarming rise in electronic waste (e-waste), and experts suggest that offering incentives can significantly boost recycling participation. As e-waste continues to grow, experts are urging the government to take stronger steps to address the environmental challenges posed by this waste.
The E-Waste Crisis in India
India’s e-waste has increased by 72% over the past five years, according to the latest reports. In 2023-24, the country generated a staggering 1.75 million metric tonnes of electronic waste. This surge in e-waste reflects the rapid pace of technological advancements, with more electronic devices being discarded faster than ever before. As the problem escalates, experts are emphasizing the need for effective recycling measures to manage and mitigate its adverse impacts.
The Call for Incentives
To address this growing problem, experts are calling for the introduction of incentives to encourage more robust participation in the e-waste recycling process. Currently, India has a fragmented recycling sector, with significant contributions from the informal sector, which operates outside formal regulations. One of the key recommendations from experts is to offer tax incentives to manufacturers who design eco-friendly and recyclable products. These incentives would make it economically viable for companies to integrate sustainability into their product designs.
Additionally, experts argue that manufacturers could be encouraged to implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies. These policies would require producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, including end-of-life disposal and recycling. By pushing companies to ensure that their products are recyclable, India could reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and promote a circular economy.
Collaborating with the Informal Sector
A critical component of e-waste recycling in India is the informal sector. Informal workers, who typically collect and dismantle electronic waste, have built extensive networks that can play a vital role in improving the recycling rate. Experts believe that the government should collaborate more effectively with this sector to enhance e-waste collection and recycling processes.
For this collaboration to succeed, the government needs to formalize the sector, providing training, resources, and incentives. Furthermore, local communities must be educated about the importance of proper disposal and recycling to increase participation in e-waste collection programs.
Government’s Role in Revamping Policies
The Indian government is aware of the growing e-waste issue and is working on revamping the country’s electronic waste policy. The new policy will focus on managing the entire lifecycle of electronic products, including both collection and recycling. Experts believe that the policy should introduce performance-based targets, where companies are rewarded for increasing their recycling volumes and achieving higher environmental standards.
Furthermore, the revamped policy could incentivize producers by offering credits for recycling efforts. These credits could be used to offset the environmental impact of their products. Instead of focusing solely on the amount of materials recovered, such as metals and rare earth elements, the new policy would also track the total number of products recycled.
Examples of Positive Initiatives
Several companies and organizations are already taking steps to tackle e-waste in India. Celekt Mobiles, for example, launched the ‘Mission E-waste’ initiative to encourage responsible disposal and recycling. The company offers customers discount coupons in exchange for depositing old mobile phones and electronic devices at their stores.
Similarly, several local initiatives are raising awareness about the importance of recycling e-waste and the negative effects of improper disposal. These efforts not only aim to reduce waste but also highlight the long-term benefits of recycling. Both for the environment and the economy.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future
The growing e-waste problem in India presents a serious challenge to the country’s environmental sustainability. However, experts believe that implementing incentives and strengthening policies can create a system. Where e-waste recycling becomes both feasible and profitable. By encouraging manufacturers to design recyclable products and fostering collaboration with the informal sector. India can reduce its e-waste burden and move toward a more sustainable future. The government, businesses, and individuals must work together to ensure that the rise in e-waste does not lead to irreversible environmental damage.
