A Review of the Indian Scenario of E-waste Management: Generation, Effect, and Material Recovery Method

E-waste is the fastest growing type of waste on a global scale. E-waste refers to trash electrical and electronic equipment rejected or discarded in whole or in part during production, refurbishing, or repair processes. In 2019, 53.6 Mt (Million tonnes) of e-waste was generated globally and is expected to rise to 74.7 Mt by 2030, with a growing rate of 3–5% annually. An estimated amount of e-waste generated by India from 0.77 to 3.2 Mt and 1,64,663 tonnes have been dismantled and recycled, in 2019. Compared to many developed countries, the overall volume produced is higher while e-waste generation is 0.6–2.4 kg/capita in India due to its population and market size. This paper reviews the research on the current state of e-waste management, the quantification and qualification of e-waste, the potential for a circular economy, the impact of e-waste, and disposal. In India, there is still a widespread practice of landfilling and incinerating of e-waste, which is also ragged, unorganized, and crude. This paper reviews research on informal and poor handling of e-waste in India and discusses the negative impact of e-waste’s effects due to its complex mixture of toxic compounds. According to the available research, sustainable e-waste management in India remains a major challenge due to more informal recycling practices, a lack of rules and regulations, e-waste importation from developed countries, and a lack of awareness and information. This paper also discusses the material recovery from e-waste with available methods (such as mechanical separation, pyro-metallurgy, and hydrometallurgy), along with the possibility for the circular economy to expand. As a result, the study covers the recovery options that are available, as well as the challenges and possibilities.