Present Scenario of E-Waste Generation, Legislation, Management and Impacts: A Review in Indian Context

Abstract

Electronic waste is considered one of the fastest-growing types of waste produced from electrical and electronic devices, growing by 3-5% a year around the world. The study reports that E-waste generation is 3 times as high as any other waste source. A developing country such as India is the third largest contributor to world's E-waste generation and annually generates about 3.2 million tons of E-waste. Maharashtra a state of India tops with 19% E-waste generation amongst all other states. The legislation for E-waste management in India is evolved and amended several times to improvise E-waste management between years 1986 to 2018. However, the management of E-waste was little improved over the three-year timeframe. Formal sectors are working toward E-waste management. But due to the lack of efficient infrastructure and resources to manage E-waste, informal sectors are evolved in India. 95% of the E-waste generated in India is recycled by informal sectors. Residents living in these areas are at the greater risks to health posed by unsatisfactory activities. On the other hand, E-waste has showed some benefits in construction industry. According to study, the rough aggregate for concrete preparation is insufficient

efforts have been made to substitute E-waste partly with rough aggregates. E-waste has immense potential for use in different industries but cannot be ignored for its effect on the atmosphere, economy and society. This study recommends that the less legislative rigour, which has a significant environmental impact, has caused informal industries to manufacture electronics and electrical appliances (EEE's) from other countries and dump them in India. Thus, strict measures and legislation should be implemented. © 2023 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.