Transforming E-Waste: Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency in India

Abstract

In today’s world of rising purchasing power and technological improvement, electronic waste poses a significant global pollution issue besides others leading to economic, environmental and health consequences. Developed nations often dump their e-waste into developing nations where informal recycling practices prevail and stakeholders are not bound by any regulations. Therefore, proper management and treatment of e-waste is important to reduce its hazardous impacts, reflecting the zero-waste management concept, a comprehensive approach recognizing waste together a resource and also a measure of modern society’s inefficiency. India stands third next to China and the USA producing 13 and 16 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 & 2021-22 respectively, according to CPCB. This article offers insights into India’s strategy for resource efficiency to address the e-waste sector challenges with transition from traditional waste management to a circular and resource-efficient system. This shift promotes sustainable practices fostering a circular economy approach to e-waste management.