Recognizing the growing challenge of e-waste, India has significantly revamped its e-waste management framework. A press release on these measures was issued on February 13, 2025.
It may be recalled that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 in November 2022, which came into force on April 1, 2023, superseding the 2016 rules.
Revised Rules for Environmentally Sound Management:
The core objective of the 2022 rules is to manage e-waste in a way that protects human health and the environment. The rules establish a more robust Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime, requiring manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers to register on a dedicated portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These changes also aim to formalize the e-waste recycling sector, bringing informal operators into compliance, and promote a circular economy through scientific recycling and disposal. Provisions for environmental compensation, verification, and audits have been included.
Capacity and Infrastructure
Currently, 322 recyclers and 72 refurbishers are registered with the CPCB. Their reported processing capacity as of February 9, 2025, is 2,208,918.064 MT per annum for recyclers and 92,042.18 MT per annum for refurbishers.
CPCB Initiatives for Effective Implementation
The CPCB has taken several steps to ensure the new rules are effectively implemented:
I. Online EPR E-Waste Portal
The CPCB has developed an online portal for registration of producers, manufacturers, recyclers, and refurbishers.
II. Guidelines for Scientific Management
The CPCB has published guidelines for the scientific and environmentally sound management of e-waste, detailing procedures and facility requirements (machinery and pollution control devices) for environmentally sound recycling.
III. National Action Plan
An action plan is in place and implemented by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs). These bodies submit quarterly progress reports and conduct regular drives to check informal e-waste activities.
IV. Industrial Space Allocation
Under Rule 10(1), State Governments are responsible for ensuring industrial space is allocated for e-waste dismantling and recycling in existing and upcoming industrial parks and clusters.
CPCB Directives to SPCBs/PCCs
The CPCB has issued several directives to SPCBs/PCCs to strengthen enforcement:
Directive (September 6, 2022): Issued under Section 18(1)(b) of the Water and Air Acts, focusing on checking informal e-waste activities, verifying authorized dismantlers/recyclers, and conducting awareness drives.
Directive (January 30, 2024): Issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, mandating registration of producers, manufacturers, recyclers, and refurbishers on the online portal.
Directive (February 14, 2024): Issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, requiring e-waste recyclers to generate EPR certificates for producers’ compliance with obligations for FY 2023-24.
Looking Ahead
These revised rules and the CPCB’s active role in implementation signal a strong push towards more responsible e-waste management in India. The focus on formalizing the sector, promoting scientific recycling, and holding producers accountable through EPR is expected to significantly improve how e-waste is handled and reduce its environmental impact.
