Electronic waste management- Indian context

Electronic waste or e-waste is one of the rapidly growing problems of the world.

E-waste comprises of old, end-of-life electronic appliances such as computers, laptops, TVs, DVD players, refrigerators, freezers, mobile phones, MP3 players, etc., which have been disposed of by their original users. E-waste contains many hazardous constituents that may negatively impact the environment and affect human health if not properly managed.

In India, e-waste management assumes greater significance not only due to the generation of its own e-waste but also because of the dumping of e-waste from developed countries. This is coupled with India's lack of appropriate infrastructure and procedures for its disposal and recycling.

This paper introduces the terms and concepts of e-waste, components of e-waste management and analyses the major issues related to e-waste management in India.