E-waste management and Achieving SDG-Challenges in Indian Context

Abstract

Revolutions in the electronics sector revealed an unfortunate aspect of the technology in the form of e-waste, considered fatal and toxic wealth of digitized word. Electronic gadgets regularly get replaced from regular due to altering market trends, socio-economic necessity and fashion. Each e product has a limited life span and after their useful life reaches end of life stage in the form of e waste at different phases of their lifecycle. E-waste is complex in nature and consist of more than 1000 materials such as plastic, glass, precious and toxic metals and hence inappropriate discard would have long term consequence in the form loss of resources and adverse impact on health and environment. effects. Growing volumes of e-waste, improper, unsafe disposal and treatment have been substantial challenges in achieving the SDG. Goal 3 with focus on Good health and Well-being of SDG 2030 is closely linked to better understanding and management of e-waste whereas Goal 6 has onus on Clean water and Sanitation is related to scientific disposal of e-waste. Goal 11 and Goal 12 with aims of Responsible Consumption and Production and Sustainable Cities relates to stakeholder awareness. In developing country like India being recognised as one of major e-waste generators, managing e-waste scientifically is the need of the hour to achieve SDG. E waste management requires awareness about e-waste as a precious resource and a toxic element. The user’s awareness about e-waste plays an important role in achieving SDG’s. The author in the paper has an objective to relate the E-waste management and SDG’s achievement with focus on awareness of e waste and associated effects on health and environment.