E-Waste is the fastest growing waste facing the world today. The digitalisation of our worlds and our throwaway lifestyle are the two main reasons for this growing pile.
Globally, India is the 3rd largest producer of E-Waste – 3.2 million metric tonnes in 2019, estimated to be 5 million metric tonnes by 2020. 82% are household items, while 12% are our phones alone.
Extraction of metals for our electronics and electrical goods require mining. The entire process of extraction and processing of new metals directly contribute to Climate Change – mining leads to extensive deforestation while polluting the environment and releasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Alternatively, if individuals and household consumers repair and reuse more often, we can reduce the amount of E-waste generated. If all of us discard our E-waste with only authorised recyclers, we can increase the percentage of E-waste recycling from 10% currently to much higher, and ensure metal recovery from our E-waste to be reused in our E-products. This process can remarkably reduce our carbon footprint and also save our environment from being polluted.