ANNOUNCEMENTS
The study presents a comprehensive analysis of e-waste management system in India. Identification of key stakeholders has been done with a focus on informal sector and consumer behavior. The special emphasis has been laid on the case study of Seelampur, Delhi. Field visit, interactions with the informal workers and e-survey data provided a strong analysis for the study. Some of the key challenges and theories that influence the consumer behavior were identified. The hazardous impact of e-waste is a challenge that developing countries like India are facing, as the population seems to be growing, the quantum of waste is simultaneously increasing. The problem of informal disposal and rudimentary methods of recycling not only has a potential to cause damage to the nature and ecosystem but also to the informal workers as they work in compromised working conditions with no safety gear. The mapping of value chain has been done, wherein, it was noticed that consumers can play a significant role. IF he gap between end of life product user and disposal mechanism is sealed, there are high chances that the abundance and reliance on the informal sector, which is currently estimated to be around 95 percent, will come down significantly. Downstream stakeholders can be made responsible for their actions as upstream stakeholders, i.e., manufacturers and producers, are provided for the targets to achieve under E-waste management rule 2022. Lack of compliance can lead to environmental compensation and penalties. The regulatory framework in India has made incremental progress in order to address the problem of e-waste management with an approach that focuses on “Cradle to Gate” concept. However, there is some scope for the policy to address the influence informal sector has on the e-waste processing as it can’t be ignored due to its massive presence.
Key words: E-waste management, Informal Sector, Consumer Behavior, Seelampur Site.
