E-waste In India Research Articles

E-waste: A new challenge for waste management in India

WEEE (waste from electrical and digital device's) comes beneath a special class of waste which is the end result of industrialization and ever-growing demand of digital merchandise in daily lifestyles. With growing usage waste manufacturing is likewise increasing. Now, the scenario is alarming as a big quantity of waste is generated via India in addition to other international locations. The situation in India is a whole lot worse because approximately 80 % of the e-waste generated inside the US is exported to India, China and Pakistan beneath the call of charity. Only 3 % of general WEEE-waste generated is recycled nicely in India. The relaxation of it's far dealt with by people who paintings with naked fingers, without mask under unhygienic conditions, informally recycling tons of e-waste for approximately 12-14 hours a Day. It causes each environmental as well as health issues. E-waste recycling (i.e. 3 R’s) is a concept hardly in lifestyles in India. As of now most of e-waste generated is getting dumped in rivers or dumping yards both of getting nicely recycled or reused after treatment which in end result have negative results on environment in addition to fitness issues. So basically, paper describes the contemporary situation of e-waste control in India and different parts of globe. It also describes the case take a look at of trend of e-waste in India with other countries. In remaining ten years, it's far found that e –waste is growing daily and the major mills of these e-waste are computer systems, mobile, telephone gadget extensively utilized by the authorities, public region agencies and personal sectors, generate nearly about 75% of e-waste and on other hand with the contribution of man or woman family being most effective 16%. According to ASSOCHAM compound Annual growth price of electronic waste is 30%. Computer equipment's make contributions about 70% of total e-waste generated in India and telecommunication equipment's debts for nearly 12%. State smart Maharashtra ranked first observed by means of Tamil Nadu and UP in ewaste pollution and amongst all cities Mumbai ranks first in producing e-waste observed with the aid of Delhi and Bangalore. No. Of legal guidelines are framed but none is able to stop this casual recycling. In this paper, countrywide and worldwide e-waste situation is discussed in conjunction with hazards as a result of e-waste and bit approximately its recycling.

E-parisar : A Smartphone Based Approach for E-waste Management & Recycling

Abstract:-Electronic waste or E-waste is relatively a novel addition to the ever-growing hazardous waste stream. It includes discarded electronic and electrical equipment. There is a lack of consensus as to whether the term should apply to resale, reuse, and refurbishing industries, or only to product that cannot be used for its intended purpose. Informal processing of electronic waste in developing countries may cause serious health and pollution problems, though these countries are also most likely to reuse and repair electronic; India is no exception to it. However, the existing management practices related to E-waste in India are reasonably poor and have the potential to risk both human health and the environment. The hazardous content of these materials pose a threat to human health and environment. Discarded computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, fax machines, electric lamps, cell phones, audio equipment and batteries if improperly disposed can leach lead and other substances into soil and groundwater. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled in an environmentally sound manner so that they are less harmful to the ecosystem. Moreover, the policy level initiatives are not being implemented in an appropriate way During the course of the study it has been found that there is an urgent need to address the issues related to E-waste in India in order to avoid its detrimental future consequences. This project highlights the hazards of e-wastes, the need for its appropriate management and options that can be implemented. Keywords: Key Words: E-waste, hazardous waste, risk, management, environment

Managing end-of-life solar photovoltaic e-waste in India: A circular economy approach

This paper deals with strategic management of end-of-life (EOL) solar photovoltaic (PV) e-waste generated in developing countries like India. SMEs play an essential role in applying a circular economy for e-waste. The present study mainly focuses on developing an organized recycling infrastructure in India for solar PV EOL e-waste and its balance of systems. The economy and weight share of twenty-one metals present in the solar PV systems have been discussed in the research. Further, the study designs a circular supply chain for e-waste, followed by a cost-benefit analysis for the recycling of EOL solar PV to attract SME investors. The paper has used material flow analysis for managing e-waste as per the requirement of a circular economy for designing recycling, remanufacturing, refurbishing strategy, and assessment of resource-efficient regulations. The research would help policymakers to modify or develop afresh policies like extended producer responsibility and producer responsibility organizations.

ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF KNOWLEDGE AND CULTURAL FACTORS ON E-WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN INDIA – AN APPROACH TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

With the technological advancement and changes in the working and lifestyles of people and industry, the rate of obsolesce of electrical and electronic equipment and gadgets, particularly computers and mobile phones, is high, posing a threat to health and environment creating a threat to sustainability for nations around the globe. Realizing the difficulties of e-waste management, many developed countries have started dumping the e-waste to developing nations that suffer from resources constraints, thus leading to hazardous activities mainly in the informal sector. Therefore, we are motivated to examine whether the awareness of the environment, attitudes, and beliefs, particularly knowledge (constructs), impact practices relating to management of e-waste in India. Analysis of the results of our survey of 180 respondents through SEM model show an insignificant association of these constructs with e-waste management practices. However, we find a significant mediating role of Environmental Knowledge in all these relationships.

Management of E-waste in India – Challenges and recommendations

Management of E-waste in India – Challenges and recommendations

Management of E-waste in India – Challenges and recommendations

E-waste management is an extremely important contemporary current affairs topic in the world and in India. This study presents an in-depth and well researched qualitative analysis of E-waste management and the challenges faced. The study comprehensively puts forth the problem statement, threat, existing norms and parameters, legislations dealing with E-waste management, and more importantly, their lacunae in their implementation. The Study also offers recommendations for its betterment, which are implementable.

Economic potential of recycling e-waste in India and its impact on import of materials

The circular economy promotes recirculation of materials for pollution prevention and secondary materials management. The e-waste generation poses a severe threat to the environment. It can also become an urban mine for the future supply of resources from its rich repository of precious and critical raw materials. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) can be one of the instruments to tap the secondary raw materials embedded in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) stream and to overcome future supply chain-related risks. The present study estimates the e-waste generation in India using market supply method combined with substance flow analysis to quantify the common, precious, and critical raw materials embedded in WEEE and further determines their recovery economic potential. Moreover, it discusses the impact of WEEE recycling on the import of common, precious, and critical raw materials. It is the first study to consider the case of WEEE management in India to determine its recovery economic potential. The analysis reveals that the recycling of WEEE can fulfil the demand of a Platinum group of metals for the electronics industry. The maximum amount of critical raw materials has been found in television sets. WEEE recycling can reduce dependency on importing critical raw materials such as antimony from other countries. Therefore, the study would be helpful for policymakers as well as supply chain actors like recyclers to understand the recovery economic potential of combined common, precious, and critical raw materials.

Current state of e-waste management in India

Electronic waste, or e-waste in common parlance, is increasingly becoming a cause of concern in developing countries like India, due to environmental and human health hazards associated with it. Ironically, constituents of e-waste can be valuable, at the same time being toxic. The practices involved in managing and treating the electronic waste in India have limitations that need to be identified and resolved. The waste management can be properly executed if there are proper collection and disposing methods adopted. This can be possible only if there is proper awareness related to the ill-effects of e-waste among common people. This paper highlights the status of e-waste in India and the various techniques used for recycling and their limitations. The indicators assessing e-waste can be utilised as basic parameters for analysis in any nation. The valuable constituents present in e-waste can be used in creating business opportunities if properly treated and recycled.

Current state of e-waste management in India

Electronic waste, or e-waste in common parlance, is increasingly becoming a cause of concern in developing countries like India, due to environmental and human health hazards associated with it. Ironically, constituents of e-waste can be valuable, at the same time being toxic. The practices involved in managing and treating the electronic waste in India have limitations that need to be identified and resolved. The waste management can be properly executed if there are proper collection and disposing methods adopted. This can be possible only if there is proper awareness related to the ill-effects of e-waste among common people. This paper highlights the status of e-waste in India and the various techniques used for recycling and their limitations. The indicators assessing e-waste can be utilised as basic parameters for analysis in any nation. The valuable constituents present in e-waste can be used in creating business opportunities if properly treated and recycled.

Sustainability through remanufacturing of e-waste: Examination of critical factors in the Indian context

Remanufacturing is one of the strategies which may lead to sustainability in the production and consumption of electronics products by extending the life cycle of e-waste. Remanufacturing activities in India are in the rudimentary state, whereas countries like USA, Germany, and the UK are spearheading these activities. Therefore, this research aims to explore the factors and develops the interrelationship between these factors, which impact the remanufacturing of e-waste in India. A total of fifteen factors are determined with the help of extensive investigation of the literature, expert opinion, and survey among the consumers. The authors have consulted twelve experts from the academia and electronics industry and surveyed 484 students for finalizing these factors. Further, Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) has structured the fifteen factors into eight level hierarchy along with the interrelationship among them. The results reveal that green awareness, government incentives, return intention, and management vision is the major influential factors in the hierarchy. Furthermore, MICMAC (Matriced’ Impacts Croise’s Multiplication Appliquée a UN Classement) technique has divided fifteen factors into four groups based on their driving and dependence power. The results show the absence of autonomous factors while purchase intention and effective marketing mix strategy emerge as the significant dependent factors. The results of this investigation will be valuable for leaders proposing to progress remanufacturing rehearses in India and other developing countries for the sustainable management of e-waste. In addition, this research provides practical implications to the decision makers of the firms for effective remanufacturing of e-waste.

Sustainable benefits of electronic waste recycling in India: a system dynamics analysis

Despite the fact that 95% of the electronic waste (e-waste) generated is routed to unorganised sector, India is still struggling to put up an effective e-waste management system. This paper highlights the sustainability link of an efficient and effective e-waste reverse supply chain (RSC) of e-waste in India. A system dynamics (SD) model of circular flow of electronics products from manufacturing stage to recycling stage has been developed using STELLA Software version 9.1.3. Seven scenarios have been simulated using the model to study behaviour of various variables. Study of trends provides very useful insights to facilitate policy decisions for implementation of e-waste RSC in India. This study also recommends various strategies to improve the collection efficiency of the organised sector.

Sustainable benefits of electronic waste recycling in India: a system dynamics analysis

Despite the fact that 95% of the electronic waste (e-waste) generated is routed to unorganised sector, India is still struggling to put up an effective e-waste management system. This paper highlights the sustainability link of an efficient and effective e-waste reverse supply chain (RSC) of e-waste in India. A system dynamics (SD) model of circular flow of electronics products from manufacturing stage to recycling stage has been developed using STELLA Software version 9.1.3. Seven scenarios have been simulated using the model to study behaviour of various variables. Study of trends provides very useful insights to facilitate policy decisions for implementation of e-waste RSC in India. This study also recommends various strategies to improve the collection efficiency of the organised sector.

Portrayals in Print: Media Depictions of the Informal Sector’s Involvement in Managing E-Waste in India

For over a decade, media stories have exposed health and environmental harm caused by informal electronics recycling in less industrialized countries. Greater awareness of these risks helped inform regulations across the globe and the development of recycling standards. Yet, media depictions also shape public perceptions of informal workers and their role in handling electronic waste, or e-waste. This paper examines how mainstream print media describes the informal sector’s involvement in handling e-waste in India, especially as policymakers and other stakeholders currently grapple with how to integrate informal workers into formal, more transparent e-waste management schemes. This study evaluates depictions of the informal sector in print articles from both non-Indian and Indian news media outlets, employing controversy mapping principles and digital research tools. Findings may help inform stakeholder agendas seeking to influence public awareness on how to integrate informal workers into viable e-waste management solutions. Subsequent research based on these results could also help stakeholders understand the actors and networks that shape such media depictions. Results from the dataset show that most news articles describe informal workers negatively or problematically due to activities causing health risks and environmental damage, but usually do not discern which activities in the value chain (e.g., collection, dismantling, metals extraction) represent the greatest risks. Comparatively fewer articles portray informal workers positively or as contributing to e-waste solutions. Most articles also do not explain challenges that arise when working with informal workers. As such, media depictions today often lag behind policy debates and obscure multiple facets—good and bad—of the informal sector’s involvement in managing e-waste. Thus, an opportunity exists for policymakers, manufacturers, and advocacy groups to bridge the gap between current media representations of informal workers’ involvement in e-waste management and policy recommendations surrounding their role.

“Nothing is useless in nature”: Delhi’s repair economies and value-creation in an electronics “waste” sector

This paper follows the return of electronic waste back into commodity circuits through widespread processes of reuse, repair and remanufacturing across Delhi, India. Tracing the movements of “waste” from the scrap shop back into secondary use industries, I situate e-waste in India as operating primarily within economies of reuse and repair, rather than waste and recycling. Instead of managing waste, India’s broad reuse industries are production-based, maintaining and making new things out of a diversity of new and used materials. The production of value from used things is dependent on the e-waste trader and the repair worker, who see the potential for seemingly unlimited trajectories of multitudinous conditions and configurations. This view of e-waste from the repair shop (and even the scrap shop) rather than a recycling factory offers a very different rendering of e-waste and particularly informal e-waste labor in the Global South than is presented in policy and popular media. Building on scholarship on vibrant waste economies, I demonstrate that India’s electronic “waste” sector is in fact a powerful source of value (and product) creation and call into question e-waste as a definitive “waste” product and its management in a “waste” economy.

How well are we managing E-waste in India: evidences from the city of Bangalore

As a toxic waste stream, E-waste poses serious challenges to the waste management initiatives in India. While the hazardous components of E-waste call for environment-friendly disposal mechanisms, the valuable and precious metal constituents necessitate adequate infrastructural provisions and responsible management programmes to avoid the loss of economically vital materials. Considering this duality, this paper is an attempt to evaluate the current E-waste disposal practices in India, particularly emphasizing on the city of Bangalore. Three sectors listed as ‘bulk consumers’ of electrical and electronic equipments under the recent E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016, namely (1) IT and electronics, (2) banking and (3) education, are considered for the study purpose. Our experience suggests that these bulk consumers adopt two different approaches to comply with the new EPR guidelines as enlisted in the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016. These are: (1) IT companies like Wipro adopts a ‘take-back system’ where it is responsible for taking back the products originally produced in its various facilities from the consumers; (2) most of the banks and educational institutes take ‘auction’ as the measure by calling tenders from authorized E-waste recyclers with some banks embracing an ‘E-waste exchange system’, or complying through producer responsibility organizations (PROs) for responsible E-waste management in the city. However, we sense a lack of meticulous initiatives towards addressing the E-waste crisis largely prevalent across these sectors. We argue that ensuring responsible disposal behaviour is central in any successful E-waste management initiative. Further, we emphasize on the relative disinterestedness of the research community in addressing the issues concerning E-waste in India by carrying out a detailed bibliometric analysis on the topic. We conclude that a transparent system across these diverse sectors with adequate infrastructural provisions and administrative controls is the key to address India’s E-waste apprehensions.

Analysis of barriers hindering the implementation of reverse supply chain of electronic waste in India

India is the fifth biggest producer of electronic waste (e-waste) across the globe but still 95% of the e-waste is handled by the unorganised sector in an unscientific way severely impacting the environment and health. There are many social, economic and environmental benefits linked with reverse supply chain (RSC) of e-waste. The study aims to identify and analyse the barriers hindering the effective implementation of RSC of e-waste in India based on a comprehensive literature review and interaction with the experts. Interpretive structural modelling methodology has been utilised to find out the mutual influences among the barriers. The analysis reveals: legal issues, lack of awareness, and lack of infrastructure as the major barriers to RSC of e-waste. The study provides very useful insights to facilitate policy decisions to promote e-waste recycling in India like implementing monitoring and control systems across the e-waste supply chain, need for a dedicated e-waste etc.

Stepped Recycling: The Solution for E-waste Management and Sustainable Manufacturing in India

Recycling of wastes to recover raw materials is key aspect which leads to sustainable manufacturing. Wastes from Electrical and Electronic Equipment often abbreviated as “E-Waste” is one of the most threatening and fastest growing waste problems of the entire world. Developing countries like India are at a greater risk because of illegal imports and increasing domestic generation of e-wastes is observed and also since there are very little or no regulations or laws regarding e-waste management. 90% of all the million tons of e-waste of India are discarded by informal recyclers who use rudimentary methods of processing, thus causing air, water and ground pollution. A key factor in sustainable manufacturing is safe disposal and seeing as e-waste is the result of mass manufacturing of electronic goods, it is pivotal to dispose it safely. This paper highlights the present situation of e-waste management in India and its effects so far and presents a new, unique management model, as the best solution for management of e-waste in India. This model takes into account the financial dependency of the informal sector on recycling, incorporates them into the model, and initializes an inter-dependent system of recycling, thus making is profitable for every concerning party involved in the recycling process. Necessary changes in rules and regulations as well as methods to implement this model with ease are described in this paper.

Analysis of barriers hindering the implementation of reverse supply chain of electronic waste in India

India is the fifth biggest producer of electronic waste (e-waste) across the globe but still 95% of the e-waste is handled by the unorganised sector in an unscientific way severely impacting the environment and health. There are many social, economic and environmental benefits linked with reverse supply chain (RSC) of e-waste. The study aims to identify and analyse the barriers hindering the effective implementation of RSC of e-waste in India based on a comprehensive literature review and interaction with the experts. Interpretive structural modelling methodology has been utilised to find out the mutual influences among the barriers. The analysis reveals: legal issues, lack of awareness, and lack of infrastructure as the major barriers to RSC of e-waste. The study provides very useful insights to facilitate policy decisions to promote e-waste recycling in India like implementing monitoring and control systems across the e-waste supply chain, need for a dedicated e-waste etc.

An Integrated Model for E-waste Management in India Using Systems Thinking

This article proposes a model for managing e-waste in India using systems thinking approach. The plot of the article begins by the idea of reducing the environmental pollution caused by e-waste in the hands of the informal sector. This can be done by formalizing the disposal stage of the electronic products. The idea can reap results when the registered e-waste agencies be a part of the supply chain activities and thereby ensures reverse logistics model of handling e-waste. Currently, the amount of e-waste generated in the country is higher than the total capacity of the registered recyclers in the country. Even then, most of the recyclers are not functioning at full capacity, which is counter intutive. The government norms are not commanding which leads this waste becoming hazardous to human health. The article uses system dynamics approach proposing one solution to reduce this menace. The causal loop diagram gives a holistic picture of the problem in hand and the stock and flow diagram validates the integrated model of e-waste management system.

Policy implications of e-waste in India: a review

Formulation and implementation of appropriate policies in terms of regulatory regimes and market-based policy structures are essential in order to address the global e-waste crisis. In India, e-waste attracts no special attention concerning its collection, handling, recycling, treatment and disposal. These efforts are still at an embryonic stage in the country. The paper documents the current policy level initiatives in India in terms of regulatory regimes. Further, it tries to figure out applicable market-driven policy suggestions relevant to e-waste in India - a novel approach in the e-waste management scenario in the country. The paper concludes that in India, policy initiatives related to e-waste are still inadequate and urgent needs arise to formulate e-waste management strategies that are locale specific. Environmentally acceptable e-waste management could only be ensured by establishment of appropriate e-waste policies and defining the collection, segregation, dismantling, recycling, treatment and disposal standards.