The Toxic Aftermath of E-Waste — And How EPR Can Change the Story
We live in a digital-first world, where smartphones, laptops, wearables, and chargers are deeply integrated into our daily lives. But as we upgrade to newer models every year, have you ever paused to ask: where do our old gadgets go?
The answer isn't just inconvenient—it's dangerous.
India’s Exploding E-Waste Problem
India has now emerged as the third-largest generator of e-waste globally, after China and the United States.
Estimated e-waste generated in India (2023–24): Over 2 million tonnes, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 and CPCB projections.
What’s more alarming is that more than 85% of this waste is processed by the informal sector—where untrained workers, often including children, dismantle electronics using unsafe methods.
This unregulated handling leads to:
- Hazardous exposure to toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium
- Soil, air, and groundwater pollution due to open burning and acid-leaching of parts
- Long-term health impacts such as cancers, respiratory diseases, and neurological damage in vulnerable communities
EPR: Extended Producer Responsibility – A Policy with Power
To address this growing crisis, the Government of India enacted the E-Waste (Management) Rules, first notified in 2011 and later amended in 2016 and 2022. The 2022 amendment introduced stricter, target-based Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Under EPR, the producers, recyclers, refurbishers, and collection entities are legally bound to manage the end-of-life disposal of the electronics they manufacture, refurbish, recycle, or collect.
Key EPR Obligations (as per E-Waste Management Rules 2022 Amended Rules):
- Mandatory Registration on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) EPR portal
- Annual recycling targets (starting from 60% and increasing to 80% over five years)
- Engagement with authorized recyclers for EPR credit services
- EPR Certificate Trading System introduced to streamline and verify compliance
Why EPR Is Critical Today
EPR isn't just about compliance—it's about redefining how we treat electronic products at the end of their life. It shifts responsibility upstream, ensuring that the burden of safe disposal lies with the originators and handlers, not the end user.
EPR supports:
- Cleaner and safer recycling systems
- Growth of the formal e-waste recycling industry in India
- Elimination of informal, unsafe practices
- Recovery of valuable resources like gold, silver, copper, and rare earth metals
According to a study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), 1 tonne of used mobile phones can yield up to 300 grams of gold, highlighting the economic value of proper recycling.
What Must Stakeholders and Citizens Do?
For Producers, Recyclers, Refurbishers & Manufacturers:
- Get registered under the CPCB’s EPR portal
- Meet your recycling targets year-on-year
- Work with authorized recyclers and collect EPR certificates
- Maintain digital records and traceability of e-waste collection and handling
For Consumers:
- Never dispose electronics with general waste
- Use authorized collection points or return-to-retail programs
- Encourage brands to be transparent about their take-back efforts
- Support businesses that are EPR-compliant and sustainable
Take Action Today
E-waste doesn’t vanish—it leaks toxins, pollutes communities, and wastes valuable materials.
Whether you’re a consumer or a stakeholder in the electronics ecosystem, you have a role to play.
- Register and comply with India’s amended EPR rules
- Submit annual reports and recycle responsibly
- Choose authorized recyclers over informal networks
- Raise awareness and encourage responsible disposal
About Aseries Envirotek India Pvt. Ltd.
As India’s leading EPR consulting company, Aseries Envirotek India Pvt. Ltd. provides end-to-end solutions for E-Waste, Plastic Waste, Battery waste, Tyre Waste, Used oil Waste management.
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