Remarkable Surge in E-Waste Recycling in India: Ministry’s Environmental Initiatives Bear Fruit

New Delhi:  In a noteworthy accomplishment, e-waste recycling in India has surged by a remarkable 22.59 times from the fiscal year 2016-17 to 2021-22, reflecting the success of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s environmental initiatives. The quantity of e-waste recycled through Registered Recyclers has shown a consistent upward trajectory during this period, demonstrating a commitment to responsible waste management practices.

Registered e-waste recycling units in the country have embraced scientific and environmentally sound techniques, contributing to the safeguarding of the environment and the conservation of natural resources. The proper recycling of e-waste not only reduces the burden on landfills but also minimizes the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. This initiative helps prevent soil and water contamination, fostering sustainable development and contributing to the principles of a circular economy.

The Ministry has played a pivotal role in this success by comprehensively revising the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016. The revised rules, notified as the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, came into effect on April 1, 2023. These rules are designed to manage e-waste in an environmentally sound manner and introduce an improved Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime for e-waste recycling. Under the new rules, manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers are required to register on a portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), fostering transparency and accountability in the sector.

The revamped regulations aim to channelize the informal sector towards the formal sector, promoting responsible business practices and ensuring the recycling of e-waste in an environmentally sound manner. The introduction of provisions for environmental compensation, verification, and audit adds an extra layer of accountability to the e-waste recycling process.

The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, not only enhance the management of e-waste but also contribute to the promotion of a Circular Economy through the EPR regime. By encouraging scientific recycling and disposal of e-waste, these rules align with global sustainability goals.

The following table illustrates the significant progress in e-waste processing over the mentioned financial years:

Financial Year	Quantity of E-Waste Processed (Tonnes)
2016-17	23,330.3
2017-18	69,413.69
2018-19	164,663.0
2019-20	224,041.0
2020-21	354,540.70
2021-22	527,131.57

This information was provided by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. The significant strides in e-waste recycling highlight the effectiveness of sustainable practices and the impact of robust regulatory frameworks in addressing environmental challenges.