Electronic waste (E-waste) generation and management scenario of India, and ARIMA forecasting of E-waste processing capacity of Maharashtra state till 2030

Abstract

This article addresses a critical environmental issue largely attributed to Gen-Z, namely Electronic waste (E-waste). The modern human lifestyle has significantly impacted waste management, with new technological advancements posing both environmental challenges and economic opportunities. E-waste, generated due to the disposal or end-of-life of electronic products, is now one of the fastest-growing domestic waste streams. Proper E-waste management and monitoring are essential for achieving maximum resource utilization and reducing the adverse impacts of E-waste, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. India has laws and legislation in place to ensure the safe handling, management, and treatment of E-waste, with the pollution control board serving as the monitoring and tracking authority. This study focuses on the state of Maharashtra, investigating past and future trends using Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models, commonly used in time series analysis and forecasting. The study predicts that the average E-waste processing capacity (recycling/dismantling) from 2023–2030 will be 163563.15 MT (metric tons), with forecasted values increasing steadily over the years, reaching 248 recyclers by the year 2030. By analysing rate of change in E-waste processing capacity from 2023–2030, there will be chances of 6.86 % annually. This is also highlighting the scope of entrepreneurship in E-waste recycling industries by detecting average expansion of recyclers by 7.23 % per year. The study emphasizes the significant role of policy and decision-making in managing this rapidly growing waste stream from an environmental management and circular economic perspective.