Background

Technological advancements worldwide have led to a drastic increase in the production, circulation, and sales of electronic gadgets. While this revolution has transformed our lives in countless ways, there is also a downside to this, particularly in regards to the health of our environment. This expansion of the electronics industry has led to an increase in the amount and volume of e-waste we generate daily. 

Moreover, lack of awareness and inadequate infrastructure contribute to this cycle of improper handling and disposal of e-waste. A large majority of such waste generated often ends up being dumped in landfills or water bodies, while the rest is burnt. Based on the recent analysis, only 21% out of about 10.1 million tons of e-waste generated in the years 2019-2022 was collected, disassembled, and disposed of properly.

These present day management and disposal practices carry hazardous consequences for the environment and public health. The burning of electronic gadgets causes the release of harmful compounds and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury that result in environmental destruction and can also be deadly to all forms of life when exposed in large quantities. Moreover, these practices are carried out by unskilled and mostly unprotected workers who come in contact with these chemicals every day. 

In addition to this, these current practices also hinder the ability to recycle and recover scarce resources such as metal and ores from these gadgets. Thus, addressing this crisis and promoting sustainable management and disposal practices of e-waste is the need of the hour. 

Sources: 

1. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/data-stories/data-focus/around-78-of-indias-e-waste-is-not-being-collected-or-disposed-by-the-government/article65406820.ece 

2. https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/EWaste_Sep11_892011.pdf