What are the main challenges in India's e-waste supply chain?

The main challenges include the dominance of informal players, environmental hazards from toxic leakage, and inefficiencies in collection and recycling.

How can recycling e-waste benefit India's clean energy goals?

Recycling recovers critical materials like copper and rare earth elements, reducing the need for new mining and supporting green energy infrastructure.

What recommendations are proposed for India's e-waste management?

The study suggests an incentive mechanism to improve management and integrate informal and formal sectors for a more sustainable framework.

Home / Environment / India's E-Waste Surge: Informal Sector Holds Key

India's E-Waste Surge: Informal Sector Holds Key

21 Dec, 2025

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Summary

India faces a surge in electronic waste due to rising tech consumption.
Informal players dominate India's complex e-waste supply chain.
Recycling e-waste can recover critical materials for clean energy.

India's E-Waste Surge: Informal Sector Holds Key

India's rapid technological progress has led to a dramatic rise in electronic waste generation, presenting both environmental challenges and economic opportunities. A recent working paper examines the complex e-waste supply chain, revealing the significant influence of informal operators within this sector.

Field surveys conducted in Maharashtra and Karnataka, regions known for high e-waste generation and green technology initiatives, underscore the potential for resource recovery. Critical materials like copper and rare earth elements, essential for India's clean energy transition, can be salvaged through effective recycling, reducing reliance on new mining.

The paper identifies key supply chain inefficiencies and proposes an innovative incentive mechanism. Its ultimate goal is to cultivate a more streamlined, sustainable, and inclusive e-waste management system by bridging the divide between the informal and formal sectors in India.