E-Waste Management in India: Policies, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Abstract

Electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste, has become a rapidly increasing environmental concern across the world, and India is among the major generators of this type of waste. The growing use of electronic devices, along with their frequent replacement, has led to a significant rise in discarded electrical and electronic products. Although India has introduced regulations such as the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 to address this issue, several difficulties still affect the proper management of e-waste. These include the dominance of informal recycling practices, weak implementation of regulations, insufficient infrastructure, and limited public awareness regarding safe disposal methods. This research paper examines the existing e-waste management system in India by studying the current policies, legal frameworks, and operational challenges associated with electronic waste handling and recycling. It also discusses the gaps in implementation and highlights possible measures that can improve sustainability, strengthen environmental protection, and promote more effective e-waste management practices in the country