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India's E-Waste Rules Miss Key Minerals
20 Feb
Summary
- India's EPR framework for e-waste has structural gaps.
- Mandatory recovery only covers gold, copper, iron, and aluminum.
- Critical minerals like lithium are lost or improperly disposed of.
A recent report by Toxics Link has identified critical shortcomings in India's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for managing electronic waste. The study, titled 'Long Road to Circularity,' argues that the current regulations are too limited in their scope.
While EPR is a key component of India's waste management strategy, it mandates the recovery of only a few common metals like gold, copper, iron, and aluminum. Essential minerals vital for renewable energy technologies, including neodymium, dysprosium, and lithium, are conspicuously absent from these mandatory recovery norms.
These valuable elements are either lost through informal recycling channels or are improperly disposed of, representing a significant loss of resources. Experts emphasize the need for a robust waste collection network, better integration of the informal sector, and advanced recycling infrastructure to address these issues effectively.
