India’s digital transformation is driving economic growth but also generating massive e-waste. Managing this growing burden effectively is essential to ensure sustainable development, environmental protection, and a resilient circular economy.

India’s E-waste Challenge

• Among the top global e-waste generators: India along with China, the US, Japan, and Germany.
• Increase in E-waste Generation: From 7.08 lakh metric tonnes (2017-18) to 17.78 lakh metric tonnes (2023-24). The current annual growth is around 1.69 lakh metric tonnes.

Impact of Improper E-waste Management

• Environmental Consequences:
  • Water pollution from toxic chemicals like cyanide and sulphuric acid
  • Air pollution due to lead fumes, open coal burning, and plastic incineration
  • Soil degradation, seepage of toxins such as lead and mercury
• Economic Losses:
  • Over $10 billion/year due to environmental pollution
  • More than ₹80,000 crore/year lost in critical metals due to informal processing
  • At least $20 billion/year in unaccounted tax revenue
• Social Costs:
  • Informal recycling involves women and children
  • Average lifespan of these workers is less than 27 years

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

• EPR makes producers, importers, and brand owners responsible for the end-of-life management of their products.
• It encourages:
  • Sustainable product design
  • Inclusion of environmental costs in pricing
  • Formal waste management systems
  • Reduced burden on municipalities

Significance of Floor Price for EPR Certificates

• Introduced in E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022
• Ensures:
• • Fair returns for registered recyclers
  • Discouragement of informal practices (which handle 95% of e-waste)
  • Investment in safe technologies
• Environmental Benefits:
  • Reduces landfill burden
  • Prevents leaching of toxins
  • Promotes material recovery (gold, copper, etc.)
• Economic Stabilisation:
  • Aligns with global best practices
  • Predictable pricing attracts private investment
  • Encourages compliance and formalisation

Criticism and Rebuttal

• Criticism: Floor price may raise producer and consumer costs.
• Rebuttal: Cost is modest compared to environmental and health damages
  • Producers can innovate recyclable, durable designs
  • Stable prices avoid market manipulation seen in plastic waste sector

Need for a Long-Term Recycling Vision

• Floor pricing is about more than economics; it safeguards: rivers, soil, agriculture, communities, and resources
• Essential to:
• • Formalise the e-waste sector
  • Build advanced recycling infrastructure
  • Promote resource efficiency

Conclusion

Effective e-waste management, supported by robust EPR policies and fair pricing, can turn a pressing environmental challenge into an economic opportunity, helping India lead globally in sustainability and circular economy practices.

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