Today India has become the third largest e-waste producing country in the world. After China and America, electronic waste (E-Waste) is increasing rapidly in India every year. Know about it? 
India’s E Waste Economy:India has now become the world’s third-largest producer of electronic waste (e-waste), following China and the United States. While this might seem like a serious environmental challenge, experts believe that India can turn this problem into a massive economic opportunity worth ₹520 billion (around $6 billion).
India’s E-Waste is Growing Rapidly
According to a report by RedSeer Strategy Consultants, India’s e-waste generation has doubled in the past decade. In 2014, the country produced around 2 million metric tons (MMT) of e-waste. By 2024, this number surged to 3.8 MMT. This sharp rise is mainly due to urbanization and increasing income levels, which have led to more people buying and discarding electronic devices at a faster rate.
Who Produces the Most E-Waste in India?
The report highlights that nearly 70% of India’s e-waste comes from households and businesses. While electronic devices are becoming smaller and lighter, people are replacing them more frequently, leading to an overall increase in discarded gadgets.
The Untapped Potential of E-Waste Recycling
India’s e-waste is full of valuable materials like gold, silver, copper, and rare metals, which can be extracted and reused. If India improves its e-waste recycling efficiency, it could not only reduce dependence on metal imports but also establish itself as a global leader in sustainable metal extraction.
Jasbir S. Juneja, a partner at RedSeer Strategy Consultants, stated,
“As e-waste generation continues to rise, India has a unique opportunity to improve its metal recovery efficiency and become a leader in sustainable metal extraction.”
Challenges in E-Waste Management
Despite this opportunity, India still struggles with efficient e-waste recycling. Currently, only 16% of consumer e-waste is processed by formal recyclers. By 2035, even with a projected annual growth rate of 17% in formal recycling, it is expected that only 40% of India’s total e-waste will be handled through proper channels.
The informal sector dominates e-waste recycling in India. Small, unregulated businesses collect and process e-waste at lower costs, making it difficult for formal recyclers to compete. However, informal recycling often involves unsafe methods, which can harm workers and pollute the environment.
Additionally, about 10-15% of India’s e-waste remains stored in homes, while 8-10% ends up in landfills, leading to wastage of valuable materials and increased environmental risks.
Government Efforts and the EPR Framework
To tackle this issue, the Indian government has introduced the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. Under this system, electronic manufacturers are responsible for collecting and recycling a certain percentage of their sold products.
However, the EPR system still has gaps. The minimum EPR fees are too low, and India’s formal recycling capacity remains insufficient. Strengthening the formal recycling network is essential to improving metal recovery rates and maximizing the benefits of e-waste recycling.
A Win-Win Situation for India
If India improves its e-waste recycling infrastructure, it could reduce metal import demand by $1.7 billion (₹140 billion) while ensuring a steady supply of high-value recycled metals. This would not only benefit the economy but also help India move toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
By investing in better collection systems, raising awareness among consumers, and encouraging companies to take responsibility, India can turn its growing e-waste problem into a ₹520 billion economic opportunity.
