FAQs

The best way to do this is by returning your used electronics for responsible recycling, rather than throwing them in the trash. The key to responsible e-waste recycling is knowing where your stuff will end up and whether it will be recycled responsibly without causing harm to human beings or environment.

Citizens can contribute to the e-waste problem by ensuring that their e-waste is being disposed of responsibly through the formal sector and not being recycled in a way harmful to environment or humans.

E-waste (Management and Handling) Amendment Rules, 2015 and e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, Ministry of Environment & Forests , 2011 are the two major regulations in the area of e-waste in India

Local kabbadiwalahs are key stakeholders in the e-waste ecosystem since they are the prime e-waste collectors from businesses and households. The e-waste collected by these kabbadiwallahs then goes to the informal recycling sector- which accounts for 90% of e-waste recycling in India.

E-waste accounts for approximately 40% of lead and 70% of heavy metals found in landfills. These pollutants lead to groundwater and air pollution and soil acidification. What are the precious metals in e-waste?

Electronic waste contains a plethora of toxic components including Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Polybrominated Flame Retardants, Barium and Lithium. Even the plastic casings of electronics products contain Polyvinyl Chloride. The health effects of these toxins on humans include birth defects, brain, heart, liver, kidney and skeletal system damage. Exposure to these toxins also significantly affect the nervous and reproductive systems of the human body. High and prolonged exposure to chemicals/ pollutants […]

Yes. All electronic devices like shavers, mobile phones, TV’s, refrigerators, microwaves etc become electronic waste at the end of their utility or life-cycle.

A- Can’t find a recent study on this- Ravi, Pls help.

Of the total e-waste generated in India, approximately 1.5% is recycled by formal recyclers or institutional processing and recycling. Another 8% of the e-waste generated is rendered useless and goes to landfills. The remaining 90.5% of the e-waste is being handled by the informal sector.

The main sources of electronic waste in India are the government, public and private (industrial) sectors, which account for almost 71% of total waste generation. The contribution of individual households is relatively small at about 16%; the rest being contributed by manufacturers.