India Is Not Able To Manage Its E-Waste. Are You?

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Till 2016, the world generated 44.7 million metric tonnes (mmt) of e-waste. Only 20 per cent was this waste was recycled through appropriate channels, says a recent report by the United Nations (UN).

While China was the top e-waste producer in the world in 2016, generating 7.2 mt, India produced two mt of e-waste.  Do note here that the figures on India's e-waste do not factor in the imported goods.

India's electronics industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, it said, while noting that the formal e-waste recycling sector in India is currently being developed in major cities. Interestingly, India has had the e-waste rules in effect since 2011.

E-waste is treated only informally, and over a million people are engaged in carrying out the task. Most of these people, says the report, have “very low” literacy levels with little awareness of the dangers of the operations.

"Severe health impacts and environmental damage are widespread in India, due to the final step of the e-waste processing by the informal sector," it said.

India is not the only one lagging in managing its e-waste.  The report also says that only 66 per cent of the world's population is covered by e-waste legislation.

This make leads us to the question, how does it impact us in our daily lives?

According to the World Health Organization, exposure to electronic waste may have a serious impact on your brain, nervous system, respiratory system, cell structure, blood pressure, reproductive system, skin, liver and kidney — in short, on each and every body part.  

Those discarded items lying in the store of your house — outdated phones, laptops, computers, fridges, television, etc. — contain substances that pose considerable environmental and health risks. They still have the potential to harm you equally if they are treated inadequately.

While formalising the process of e-recycling is something the government will have to do, here is what you could do to lower the risk:

*Discarded cell phones and other such items should not be kept under your roof under any circumstances. The best way to let go of these items is to go for exchange offers in which the buyer offers you a new item, keeps your old one and gives you a certain discount. Similar treatment must be given to all other household electronic and electric items.

*It would be a mistake to simply drop unused e-waste in your dustbin for the garbage boy to pick up. In light of the fact that informally treated waste is equally harmful, it would be better to go for waste segregation. You do not mix the e-waste with the less harmful waste.

*There are many government and non-governmental organisations that help you dispose e-waste. Seek their assistance. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, there are a total of 176 registered e-waste dismantlers/recyclers in the country. Click here to check these out.

*According to the WTO, children are more vulnerable to the risks caused by e-waste. Make sure your children have the least amount of exposure to such items. Try to keep your child's nursery as eco-friendly as possible.

You may like to read: Things To Know About The New E-Waste Management Rules