ANNOUNCEMENTS
The rising e-waste generation is a growing concern for a highly populous country like India which ranks third worldwide in e-waste generation. Usage of inferior recycling methods , high dependence on the informal sector which uses methods like open burning, acid bath or acid leaching and inadequate infrastructure leads to a number of environmental and health hazards both on workers and nearby communities. There is a need to expand proper infrastructure to manage e-waste in a scientific manner which requires financing. India employs this responsibility on the shoulders of producers but this study tries to incorporate another stakeholder i.e. consumer to fund e- waste management which is similar to employing ARF or PDF ; as used in other nations. The study uses contingent valuation method to explain what factors affect a consumers’ willingness to pay for Delhi residents incorporating their perception regarding electronic waste management as well. The investigation into WTP for improved EWM revealed several key determinants. Age, income, educational background, government’s involvement in improving the situation, and accessibility of nearby collection centres all significantly influenced respondents' WTP while Gender and Household size are found to be non-significant. The study also found a preference for PDF over ARF. The study suggests that policymakers could strategically prioritise early middle-aged demographics for their higher willingness to spend for improved EWM. A crucial recommendation is the unification of the formal and informal sectors. Currently, the unregulated nature of the dominant informal sector leads to inefficiencies within the waste processing chain. These inefficiencies result in lost resources, environmental damage, health risks, and challenges in accurately tracking e-waste data. The research underscores the critical need for educational campaigns that raise public awareness about responsible e-waste disposal practices. Furthermore, success hinges on a collaborative effort – each stakeholder group must play its part in ensuring transparency and efficacy in executing policy initiatives. This collective approach will be instrumental in tackling the e-waste challenge.
Keywords: Electronic waste management (EWM), Willingness to pay (WTP) , policy instrument , Delhi, perceptions , funding , infrastructure.
