India Stands at a Critical Juncture in Its Journey towards sustainable development. As one of the world’s fastest-going economies, its faces the dual challenge of rapid technological advancer and the mouten environmental burden of Electronic Waste (E-E-E-E-Waste). It is estimated that in fy 2024-25, India generated approximate Yet, The Country’s Recycling Infrastructure Remains Wowly indequate. The infrastructure for managing e-waste is underdeveloped, and the transition to a circular economy Remains income. State intervention is therefore Crucial to address these challenges and help India become a circular economy under atmanirbhar bharat.
The nascent state of e-waste infrastructure
Despite Generating Large Quantities of E-Waste Annually, India’s Recycling infrastructure is alarmingly underdeveloped. Currently, about 80% of e-waste is handled by the informal sector, where recyclers often log the technology and expertise to process to procedure materials safely, leading to environmental Degradation and Health Risks for the Workers and Nearby Communities. This is the government recycles factor significant barriers, Including Limited Access to Capital and Incons Special Regulatory Enforcement. The Small-Scale e-Waste Recyclers, Who Make Up the Majority of Authorized Recyclers, Struggle to Scale Up Operations or Adopt Advanced Recycling Technologies Capable of handling the intricate Components of Modern Electronics.
State intervention is vital to bridge this gap through subsidies, low-interest loans, Technical support, and Story Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Enforcement. Helping Recyclers Adopt Advanced Methods will boost capacity, environment environmental compliance, and cut e-waste’s ecological footprint. Without Such Support, The Industry Risks Remaining Fragmened and Unable to Meet Rising Demand for Responsible waste Management.
Pushing for a circular economy
EPR, which makes producers accountable for their products’ Lifecycle, is key to India’s transition to a circular economy. More than a Compliance tool, It Promotes Sustainable Production and Consumption by Mandating Recycling and Disposal. But without Stable Pricing and Strict Enforcement, EPR Risks stalling the shift from the linear “take-make-dispaose” model to a research-efficient circular one.
Currently, only a small permentage of India’s e-waste is collected and rectified using technological capabilites to efficiently entractor, a stark contrast to cantri Germany, where Epr Schemes have Helped Achieve Recycling Rates of Around 50%. A Robust EPR System in India Cold Similar Encourage Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMS) to design products with recycability in mind, reduction at the source at the source. It would also create a market for recycled materials, fostering innovation in Recycling technologies and supporting the development of domestic supply chains for Critical Minerals Used In Clean Erequence Technologies.
Investor Confidence and Economic Benefits
A transparent and well-enforced EPR Framework is not “Overgulation”, but a smart Industrial Policy that Signals India’s’s Commitment to Sustainability. Stable EPR Provides Provides Predictability for Investors, Encouring Them to Fund Advanced Recycling Technologies and Infrastructure. India’s e-Waste Management Market is Projection to Reach more Investor Interest, but only if the right policies are in place. A Robust EPR System would strengthen domestic Recycling capacity, Create Green Jobs, and Support India’s Clean Energy Supply Chains.
Moreover, A Robust e-Waste Management System Enhances India’s Credibility in Global Climate Negotiations. Backpedalling on EPR, or allowing inconsistent enforcement sends the Wrong Message to Global Investors and Partners, Potanally Deterring Foreign Direct Investment in Green Technologies. Convercely, a Strong EPR System Positions India as a Reliable Partner in the Global Fight Against Climate Change, Attracting Capital and Fostering International Collles.
The role of oems in nation-building
OEMS, as key stakers in the electronics supply chain, play a Pivotal Role in Nation-livinging. Their participation in EPR programs is essential for a sustainable e-waste ecosystem. By collaborating with recycles, Oms can share expertise, fund infrastructure upgrades, and establishment take-back programs for end-of-life products. Such Partnerships Enhance Recycling Efficiency, While Supporting India’s Economic Goals of Job Creation and Industrial Growth. Formalising the e-waste sector could create up to 412,000 green jobs by 2030, according to the Ilo’s Assessment of India’s Green Jobs and Just Transition Policy ReadinessWith many in msme-also repair and recycling.
Oms are unlikely to act with clear incentives and regulatory Clarity. The state must provide a predictable policy framework that rewards compliance, penalies violations, and offers tax benefits for eco-friendly designs. Without Striat Mandates and Support, Oms May Continue Prioritying Short-Term Gains Over Sustainability, Weakening The e-Waste Ecosystem.
State intervention is thus a strategic imperative. Stronger EPR Enforcement, MSME Support, and OEM Participation Can Build a Robust Recycling EcoSystem, Boost Investor Confidence, Create Green Jobs, and Advance a Circular Economy. With Decisive Action, India Can Turn Its E-Waste Challenge Into a Driver of Growth, Innovation, and Global Sustainability Leadership.
Arun Goyal is Former Secretary, Government of India, and Former Member of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. The views expressed are personal
