According to data, the total e-waste generated in India in 2022 was 1601 kt, and 1723 kt of installed capacity with 569 registered recyclers, but only 527 kt is recordedto be collected and processed, ie., 32%. [6]

Around 70% of the treatment of e-waste is unknown, likely dumped, traded, or recycled in a non-compliant or
non-environmentally sound way. [2] However, primitive harvesting of valuable components such as copper or gold from PCBs and cables happens through open acid baths or burning, such as in Delhi, leaving appalling impacts on the health of the surrounding population and the environment.

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) carried out analysis of soil and water samples on the banks of the Ramaganga tributary to study the effects of PCB washing and burning in the region. The samples showed contamination due to high levels of heavy metals. [9] The soil samples were observed with zinc, at levels 15times higher than the USEPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) standards, while copper levels were 5 times higher.

Chromium found was twice that of the Canadian standard, and Cadmium was 1.3 times higher. In the water samples, mercury was seen to be 8 times higher than the Indian standard, and with traces of arsenic too. Apart from these, there are also acid solutions that release gases, toxics smoke and ash into the environment. Exposure to these can cause serious ailments such as cognitive impairment, respiratory diseases and even cancer! [10]

In addition, like most developing countries, there has been illicit trafficking of non-repairable and non-reusable electrical equipment in the past, however, the Hazardous Waste Management Rules of 2016 have laid out clear guidelines for used Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) being imported. If imported for repair or rentals, it needs to be re-exported within a year. [7]

The policies are well intended to streamline the entire eco-system. However, these don’t trickle down to reality. There still is a major shortfall of materials flowing from the informal to the formal sector.
‍Rudimentary methods applied suggest that efficiencies of recovery in the informal sector may be leading to losses of precious metals during recycling apart from the catastrophic environmental and health impacts discussed. Owing to the ugly realities of the situation, India has been proactive in introducing the E-waste management rules in 2011, with updates in 2016 and again in 2022, with the intent of formalizing the sector. The formal sector, i.e., the manufacturer, producers, dealers, consumers, dismantlers, refurbishers and recyclers all of whom(except consumers) need authorizations from the SPCBs to operate, and areobligated to maintain records of the e-waste handled.

The current emphasis andpriority for 2024 is the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility(EPR) becoming a mandate. Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is anotherresponsibility of the producers to ensure the reduction of lead, mercury, hexavalentchromium, polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers inproduction. Producers are mandated to recycle 30% of what they put into theenvironment the first year, going upto 70% by the 7th year.This is an incredible magnitude of e-waste getting into the formal stream, and a massive opportunity for employment of BoP, alleviating them from poverty.

Once in the formal sector, Labour Laws and safe working conditions will holistically protect their interests. Elxion, for example, offers a private group medical health insurance package for all employees. Further, with the growth in e-waste globally from 44.7 million tonnes in 2016 to the anticipated 150 million tonnes by 2050, there will be a high demand for labour, sustaining their employment and income. Not to forget the incremental growth opportunities available to employees in a formal business environment.