E-Waste Management in India: Current Status, Toxic Heavy Metals, Environmental Pollution, and Sustainable Solutions - Softcover

Kaushik, Dr. Suresh

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798164040772

Publisher: Independently published, 2026

Synopsis

Electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste, has emerged as one of the most significant environmental challenges associated with rapid technological development. The increasing use of smartphones, computers, televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, electronic equipment, and renewable energy technologies has accelerated the generation of discarded electrical and electronic products. Although e-waste contains valuable materials such as copper, aluminium, gold, silver, and rare metals, improper handling and recycling can release toxic heavy metals and hazardous chemicals into the environment.
India is among the world's largest generators of electronic waste. The country has introduced the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, strengthened its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, and expanded formal recycling infrastructure. According to a Government of India parliamentary response published in July 2025, approximately 1.40 million metric tonnes of e-waste were generated in India during 2024–25, with 70.71% reported as collected, dismantled, recycled, or disposed of under the relevant reporting framework. However, reported processing figures, registered recycling capacity, and the actual environmentally safe treatment of discarded electronics represent different measures and should not be confused.
This ebook examines India's e-waste management system, the latest available national data, the major toxic metals associated with electronic waste, their effects on soil, water, ecosystems, and human health, and the scientific and policy measures needed to establish a safer circular economy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798164040772
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 61