ANNOUNCEMENTS
Discarded electronic equipment (e-waste) is one of the fastest growing waste sources in the industrialised world, driven by increased sales and rapid obsolescence. E-waste includes a wide range of electronic devices, including televisions, computers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and handheld cellular phones. These devices contain toxic materials that pose occupational, environmental and health risks and significantly pollute the surrounding environment if not handled and managed scientifically. The dumping of e-waste, especially computer waste, from industrialised countries has exacerbated waste management issues in India. Over 75% of the generated e-waste in India are sourced from bulk consumers that are corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions etc. India generates about 16,000,00 tonnes of e-waste annually. However, the management of this huge quantity of e-waste is taken care of by the informal sector by up to 95%, where the electronics are handled unscientifically creating environmental and health hazards. Through this paper, we shall discuss the present scenario of e-waste management among bulk consumers and possible e-waste handling strategies in India with a focus on bulk consumers as the sources. The paper also suggests the challenges and benefits bulk consumers face while management of their e-waste. The paper also gives insights on how to better integrate these bulk consumers in responsibly managing their e-waste and how they can contribute towards creating a circular economy.
Key Words: E-Waste Management, Circular Economy, Bulk Consumers, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).
