Electronic waste (e-waste) includes discarded computer monitors, motherboards, mobile phones, chargers, headphones, television sets, air conditioners and refrigerators. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2017, India generates about 2 million tonnes (MT) of e-waste annually and ranks among the top five e-waste producing countries in the world. In 2016-17, India treated only 0.036 MT of its e-waste. E-waste is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 30 per cent in the country.

Lowering the amount of electronics discarded as waste and improving end-of-life handling are essential for building a more robust circular economy, where waste is reduced, resources are conserved and are fed back into the supply chain for new products. Recycled metals are also 2 to 10 times more energy-efficient than metals smelted from virgin ore.

There is a need for adopting environment friendly e-waste recycling practices. Since majority of this waste is produced by the corporates, we propose that corporations should reuse, resell or donate 100% of their electronic assets. They should stop discarding or shredding the electronics. The government should enforce penalties for every ton of e-waste that is not fully recycled.