Understanding the scenario of generation, dumping and possible reconditioning of electronic waste in india

Due to the advancement in technology, electronic waste is the fastest-growing scrap stream comprising personal computers, laptops, mobile phones, televisions, consumer durables like refrigerators and other electrical and electronic products. The UNEP report suggests that over 50 million tons of e-waste is generated every year worldwide. Pre-planned product obsolescence, globalization, reduction in production costs and shifting lifestyle have been responsible for an augmented consumption of electrical and electronic products and consequently there has been an exponential high rate of waste generation. It is not only the quantity of waste but also its nature that is awfully multifarious on account of a swarm of materials which are present in these products. Precious and rare metals as well as an assortment of heavy metals and complex chemical compounds pose grave challenges in managing such large volumes of this multifaceted scrap. Handling such waste and recovery of materials by recycling it without any adversative impacts on the environment can pose grave challenges.