emblam Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Government of India
Greene Greene
Digital India
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ABOUT E-WASTE AWARENESS

The programme aims to create effective awareness in various levels (of society) to reduce the adverse impact on environment and health arising out of the polluting technologies used in recycling e-waste in the unorganized sector.

OUR MANDATE

The charter for this programme is to bring together the triad of public, government and industry to adopt responsible measures for Sustainable electronics that is responsive to environmental needs. This needs proactive policy formation and mass deployment that would be the focus area.

Stakeholders

  • BULK CONSUMERS

    BULK CONSUMERS icon

  • MANUFACTURERS

    MANUFACTURERS icon

  • GOVERNMENT

    GOVERNMENT icon

  • DEALERS

    DEALERS icon

  • REFURBISHERS

    REFURBISHERS icon

  • SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

    SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES icon

  • RWAs

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  • INFORMAL SECTOR

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Activities Across India

The “I am Circular” Challenge 2024

Project Timeline

• 16th Sep – 15th Dec – Applications open
• 1st Jan – 20th Jan – Evaluation
• 21th Jan – Announcement
• 31st Jan – Publication and distribution of coffee table book

APPLICATION FORM LINK- I am Circular | Application form

MeitY transferred cost effective Li-ion battery recycling technology to nine recycling industries and start-ups

  • Date: 2nd June 2023
  • Venue: NITI Aayog
  • City: New Delhi
  • State: New Delhi

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1929480

School Activity in Agartala (Tripura)

Awareness Programme on Environmental Hazards of E-waste and Plastic Waste
Date : 26/08/2022
Stakeholder: School
Name : Uttar kanchannagar S.B School
City: Agartala
State: Tripura

 

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1929480

 

School Activity in Agartala (Tripura)

Awareness Programme on Environmental Hazards of E-waste and Plastic Waste
Date : 26/08/2022
Stakeholder: School
Name : KC Para S.B School
City: Agartala
State: Tripura

School Activity in Delhi

Awareness Programme on Environmental Hazards of E-waste and Plastic Waste
Activity Date: 30-08-2022
Stakeholder: School
Name: Lotus Valley Public School
City: New Delhi
Location: NCR

TESTIMONIALS

  • India is the fastest growing economy, wherein electronics play the key driver., The rapid innovation in technology has resulted in improved electronic products, besides faster obsolescence of old products, thereby creating unmanageable volume of electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste when dumped in landfill impacts the human and environmental health. Besides, recycling of e-waste in informal sector by unscientific means also creates significant damage.

    I am happy that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has taken the initiative to create awareness on the ill effect of e-waste recycling in informal sector and suggesting the best practices on alternative safe methods for environment friendly disposal of e-waste through industry associations. The programme, implemented across various cities of 31 identified states/UTs, has created awareness among the public through workshops/activities and cinema.

    There is a responsibility and immense potential in augmenting e-waste recycling through various initiatives in the country. However, lots of ground has to be covered through awareness campaigns, skill development, capacity creation and introduction of indigenous technology, while adopting adequate safety measures in the country for the informal sector.

    I appreciate the efforts of the Ministry, and all the industry associations including MAIT, NASSCOM, CEAMA, PHDCCI etc. and participants in this endeavour.

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    Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad

    Former Minister E&IT, MeitY, Govt of India,
  • I am glad to know that MAIT has been selected as the lead implementation partner in the “Awareness Program on Environmental Hazards of Electronic Waste” under Digital India initiated by Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) in association with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) along with industry associations towards creating awareness among the various stakeholders about the hazards of e-waste, its proper handling and to educate them about safe methods of disposing their e-waste.

    I am also happy to note that MAIT has developed an on-line course on e-waste for the school children. Children, “GreenE” champions, as we may call them, are prime movers in sensitization and heralding change in social behaviour.

    I hope the efforts of the MeitY and its lead implementation partner MAIT, the Industry Body for Electronic Hardware Manufacturing in India, in achieving the above are worth appreciating and I am sure that the vast pool of ‘e-waste aware’ resources created during the programme will be utilized in sustaining the awareness campaigns across the country.

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    Shri Sanjay Dhoter

    Former MoS E&IT, MeitY, Govt of India,,
  • The e-waste in India is estimated at about 18 lakh metric tonne. Industry bodies claim that the electronic waste would increase to about 50 lakh metric tonne in next three years. As per Government sources, not even 10 per cent of the e-waste is being collected.

    At Niti Aayog, we are exploring the possibilities to address the issue of waste in general in the country. Not only electronic waste, but all kinds of garbage (solid waste) need a comprehensive intervention.

    Municipalities have a key role to play in waste management. Municipalities have enough resources to not just ensure cleanliness but also segregate waste at source, in the areas under their jurisdiction. There is a need to use waste as a secondary source, collaborate with corporate, rethink business model, and create a digital platform where the entire supply chain can be traced.

    Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, MeitY, has initiated an E-waste Awareness programme under Digital India initiatives, along with industry associations, to create awareness among the public about the hazards of e-waste recycling by the unorganised sector, and to educate them about alternate methods of disposing of their e-waste. The programme stresses the need for adopting environmentally friendly e-waste recycling practices.

    I wish all the best to MAIT.

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    Shri Amitabh Kant

    Former Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog.
  • Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has pioneered in initiating pan-India awareness programme on e-waste management since March 2015. Through this programme, MeitY has already reached one city each in 31 States and UTs since March 2015. The total beneficiaries of participants are nearly 13, 27,420 from various stakeholder groups through 1923 workshops. I am happy to learn that MeitY, in collaboration with MAIT have concluded a Project on E-Waste Awareness among various stakeholders and a Report is being brought out, which is to be presented to the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

    Electronics waste (e-waste) is a global challenge and India is also facing this problem. E-waste generation in the country was estimated to 1.8 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2016 and expected to grow to 5.2 million MT by 2020 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 30%. E-Waste (Management) Rules 2016 has adequate provision for effective implementation of e-waste management in the country. The E-waste Amendment Rules, 2018 has laid down commensurate penalties on those who contravene the relevant provisions. However, awareness among the stakeholders is the key challenge in implementation of the E-waste Rules in the country.

    In spite of these initiatives, the recycling of E-waste in the country is in infancy stage. Unorganized sector is recycling the E-waste in the most hazardous way, deploying children. If all this has to improve, a robust policy and regulatory framework needs to be evolved. It is suggested that the responsibility should lie with the OEM or its distributors to collect the E-waste through some incentive schemes and disposing the same at the E-waste storage, distribution and re-cycling centres. Unorganized collection should also be encouraged to deposit the same at these centres. Multiple clusters of E-waste recycling centres using modern techniques to extract precious metals and rare earths should be set up by Government through PPP model. Technology developed in academic institutions and CSIR Laboratories should be harnessed.

    It is hoped report being brought out will address all the above issues effectively and sensitize all the stakeholders about the criticality of the E-waste menace and the remedial measures called for. I wish organizers of the project all success in this endeavour.

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    Dr. V.K. Saraswat

    Member, NITI Aayog.
  • Today, electronic waste poses a significant challenge for the society, due to fast discarding old devices with its improved version. In India, lack of awareness about ill effect of Improper managing the end-of-life products, is also a major concern. An effective collection, scientific recycling and appropriate disposal of e-waste are important for protecting the health and environment. E-Waste Rule is exhaustive, where EPR clause as well as PRO has helped manufacturers in streamlining the waste into formal channel. Mass balancing of the material from PRO to recyclers is, however, not foolproof and leakage of material remains a big challenge.

    Informal sector plays an important role in collection of e-waste since they are well networked; however, their processing of e-waste in unscientific manner needs to be restricted. Affordable processing infrastructure needs to be created for environment-friendly recycling in the country. Indigenous recycling technology could play an important role. Various labs in the country have developed affordable technologies for e-waste recycling. Efforts are needed to handhold with those R&D labs to reach the informal sector for upgrading their operations. Formalisation of informal sector is essential for streamlining the environment friendly recovery of precious metals from e-waste and thereby ensuring resource efficiency. Private sector should also join hands with Government for creating the infrastructure.

    Electronic products arc continuously changing, thus, continuous R&D efforts are required to develop recycling technology for these varied products, their components including printed circuit board, rare earth element from components, Li-ion battery, various categories of plastics etc. Government could prioritise the research areas for evolving affordable technology with dedicated funding. Research outcomes should be linked to end-users industries and start-ups with viable business plan. In this direction, this ministry has already initiated a project on creating the Centre of Excellence on E-Waste Recycling at C-MET, Hyderabad, with co-funding from State Government and industry.

    I am glad that the outreach of the Awareness Programme, initiated by MeitY, has taken an impact to the grass-root level of the society and the programme is now being carried out by the industry houses. Local champions would be required to take it forward. The collection drive should be taken up by RWAs as well. I feel that the manufacturers should put their collective efforts to continue the programme in sustainable manner for long term effects. Stringent implementation of the E-waste Rule, creating awareness about the hazards associated to unscientific e-waste processing and creation of affordable infrastructures are important to address the present challenges.

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    Shri Ajay Sawhney

    Former Secretary, MeitY, Govt. of India,
  • The world is undergoing a digital revolution through rapid advancement and path-breaking work in Electronics and Information Technology. India is one of the leading electronics markets in the world particularly with the launch of the Digital India Program which is aimed at transforming the country into a knowledge-based economy and digitally empowered society. However, the tremendous growth and development in this sector has caused electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) to become one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world.

    E-waste, if not recycled and disposed of in scientific and sound manner can cause major environmental pollution endangering human health. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the E-waste (Management) Rules. 2016 in order to channelize e-waste into formal sector to ensure its safe handling and disposal. Recognizing that e-waste can be a valuable source of secondary resources such as precious and rare earth metals, the Government is in the process of developing recovery and recycling strategies to utilize the e-waste generated in the country. This would be a major step towards sustainable consumption and production enabling the transition of the Indian economy into a circular economy.

    As consumers of electrical and electronic components it is our responsibility to dispose the e-waste generated by us in accordance to the E-waste (Management) Rules. 2016. There is a need to create awareness among the general public about the hazards of e-waste recycling by the unorganized sector and to educate them about environmentally sound methods of disposing such waste.

    I am happy to note that the efforts of the electronics industry and the lead role played by MAIT in the e-waste awareness programme under Digital India. GreenE champions have been created along with the state pollution control boards, across the country which will be useful in spreading the awareness further.

    We recognize the positive engagements of the electronics industry with the CPCB and SPCBs which will create the necessary momentum in strengthening the implementation of the E-waste (Management) Rules. 2016 for environmentally sound management of such waste.

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    Shri C.K. Mishra

    Former Secretary, MoEF&CC
  • Electronic waste (E-waste) possesses a serious challenge during past few decades in India due to environmental and health hazards associated in to it. The issue is going to bother us more in near future as increase in consumption of electronics products in every facet of life and their disposal are rampant. On the positive side, E-waste is very large resource of valuable and semi-valuable materials such as gold, copper, silver, platinum, palladium, rare earth elements, plastic etc. The question is then how to tap these resources to our benefit averting environmental and health hazards. Comprehensive solution is possible with implementable policy measures, providing infrastructures with affordable and market viable technology, adequate awareness among stakeholders to channelize materials to those infrastructures.

    MoEF&CC is engaged in framing policy framework, E-waste Rule 2016, enforced under Environmental Protection Act 1986, is exhaustive to address the legislative issues adequately. Providing suitable e-waste recycling technology, MeitY has already developed and established demonstration plants of various capacities suitable for SMEs to large industries to set-up e-waste recycling plants. MeitY’s initiative on creating awareness program on hazardous effect of e-waste has already impacted the outreach of the society significantly since 2015 in pan India basis. The programme was able to provide standard stakeholder specific content which are disseminated through various outreach workshops, training programs and social & mass media. However, reaching entire population in sustained manner, concerted efforts would be required, for which manufacturers have an important role to play. The adequate knowledge only can ensure materials flow in formal channel and inculcating mindset scientific recycling of e-waste to ensure resource efficiencies and in long term circular economy.

    India has a unique advantage, having presence of well networked informal sector, who are the best collectors of end-of-life products. On the other hand, indigenous technologies are available in various labs in the country. Efforts would be needed to handhold these technologies with informal units so that they can be transformed into formal fold, which could be the game changer in the society.

    Mission mode effort, like Swatch Bharat, would be needed to address the issue like lack of infrastructures in the country for processing e-waste in sustainable manner, where private public partnership should be encouraged. Aware citizen, stringent implementation of the law, affordable processing infrastructures is imperative to achieve safe environment, resources efficiency and circular economy.

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    Shri Arvind Kumar

    Former GC (R&D-E and Cyber Security), MeitY, Govt. of India,
  • Electronic waste (e-waste) is a global challenge. Urban cities are turning into e-waste landfills, with tons of materials disposed of without consideration for health and environment. Recycling of e-waste in industrial scale, however, can recover valuable resources efficiently and also generate employment.

    E-waste contains toxic metals including lead, mercury, cadmium, as well as brominates flame retardants plastics. Recycling them in informal sector through unscientific means, therefore, cause severe impact on human health and environment. E-waste rule also fails to restrict the illegal informal operations due to lack of awareness.

    Electronics devices contain a complex mixture of several precious materials which are resource materials available only in e-waste. Some of the resources materials are depleting in the mother earth. The creating robust technology in the society is thus imperative to recover these materials efficiently as well as protecting environment.

    Ministry’s efforts in creating co-effective technologies for e-waste recycling in environmental friendly means and also in creating awareness amongst all stakeholders are unique endeavour and would help in changing mindset of the citizens towards safe disposal of e-waste.

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    Dr. Sandip Chatterjee

    Senior Director, MeitY, Govt. of India,
  • Rapidly growing volumes of E-waste in country like India not only is a challenge but also an opportunity for Indian Recyclers to leapfrog and develop and adopt technologies which set up benchmark for improved resource efficiency in the sector thus providing secondary raw material for use. I congratulate MEITY and MAIT for spearheading this effort.

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    Dr. Suneel Pandey

    Director, The Energy and Resources Institute
  • Top-notch electronic products have become an essential element of our lives and the demand for them is increasing due to the advances in technology and cheaper internet access. Electronics is now the world’s fastest growing sector and plays a prominent role in all other verticals too.

    The component manufacturing in India should aim to grow by at least 25-30 per cent to reach a turnover of US$ 40 billion by 2025. This is required to establish a sustainable electronics eco-system. One of the challenges the Indian electronic components manufacturing sector faces is e-waste.

    We are happy to note that the “Awareness Program on Environmental Hazards of Electronic Waste” being undertaken by Ministry of Electronics & information Technology (MeitY) in association with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has been able to spread awareness country-wide across various stake holders and that the industry has participated in the same in a big way.

    The industry needs to find better solutions for how the products will be disposed of when they reach the end of their lives. This industry needs advanced e-waste recycling facilities which do not pose a threat to both workers and to the environment. The industry should also work towards finding solutions via product design – free of toxic content – lead free!

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    Shri Amrit Manwani

    President, ELCINA
  • Reuse, Recovery and Recycling of Electronic Waste (E-Waste) is the need of the hour. The development of the global economy should not be at the cost of unjustified and unregulated wasteful exploitation of our natural resources. The sustainable character of our development can only be ensured by adopting environment friendly processes at all stages.

    The waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a major concern for the world and it has become imperative to develop technology and establish infrastructure to minimise generation of E-Waste and its safe disposal. Electronics has become an essential input for all our sectors and facets of human life thereby demand for the same has been soaring. This has made electronics one of the fastest growing sectors in the world.

    I am delighted to learn about this initiative taken up by Ministry of Electronics & IT and MAIT’s active role supporting the same for creating awareness about the hazards of E-Waste and its safe disposal. There is a need for all countries and societies to cooperate in this initiative and develop an international standard to enable us to take a unanimous approach to addressing this challenge and ensuring sustainable development.

    Demand for Electronic products and components in India has been growing rapidly exceeding US$ 130 Bn and this has accelerated in recent years with rapid growth in demand of Mobiles, Auto Electronics, Lighting and more. With the wide variety of materials used in manufacturing electronics including chemicals, E-Waste has become a growing issue with an adverse impact on health and environment.

    We complement MAIT for this initiative supporting this “Awareness Program on Environmental Hazards of Electronic Waste” being undertaken by Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) in association with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. We believe this will have a salutary effect in engaging various stake holders and encourage Industry to take suitable steps ensuring safe treatment and disposal of E-Waste.

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    Shri Rajoo Goel

    Secretary General, ELCINA
  • Awareness Program

    Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream that is highly complex to manage on account of highly toxic constituents. India currently generates approximately 2 million metric tonnes and significantly large portion is being handled in the informal sector thus aggravating the environmental concerns associated with the issue. The government notified a revised E waste rules 2016 with an aim to improve the current state of e waste management in the country, however two years down the road regulatory compliance still poses a serious challenge. One of the reasons for this gap in compliance is public awareness on issues connected with E waste management.

    The Ministry of Electronics in association with MOEFCC have initiated measures to plug this gap and identified MAIT for taking on this challenge. Under this program MAIT has already conducted a series of such awareness events covering 20 states and would now cover an additional nine states. This exercise is expected to raise public awareness on environmental concerns associated with E waste and trigger behavioral change thus altering the ground situation. MAIT possesses required knowledge and technical capacity to handle this challenge and I wish them great success in changing the e waste landscape in the country.

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    Shri Satish Sinha

    Associate Director, Toxics Link
  • Congratulations to MOEF&CC and MeitY for continuing to build awareness among key stakeholders on the perils related to e-waste. The humungous challenge that India faces in managing e-waste will require communities to step up and actively participate in disposing waste in a responsible manner. At an individual level, consumers should check the website of all electronic products that they own, or call the helpline, to ascertain the drop-off points or collection mechanism that the company has set up for end-of-life items, and use only the company’s channel to ensure that the discarded product is recycled in an environmentally sound manner. Consumers must put environment before self and not seek monetary compensation for the discarded product; this small sacrifice is a noble contribution towards protecting the environment that future generations of our country will inhabit.

    Glad that the programme went off well and that CEAMA was able to contribute to it.

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    Shri Rohit Kumar Singh

    Secretary General, CEAMA
  • I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate MAIT for successfully executing the E-Waste Awareness Project awarded by the Ministry of Electronics & IT and the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change.The program is indeed a novel initiative to create awareness across various levels of society, to adopt responsible measures and promote sustainable electronics that takes into consideration the paramount importance of addressing the compelling issue of environment protection through E-Waste Management.

    The awareness created by the project among targeted stakeholders across 30 states and Union Territories in an outreach to 12 Lakh stakeholders is indeed commendable and will go a long way to promote environment sustainability.

    I am happy that MAIT is coming out with a Coffee Table Book along with the report, that will help in creating an atmosphere of amplifying the environment protection message the report seeks to give and sensitize the community on importance of protecting the environment through their routine.

    The Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), which is focussed on establishing an effective and efficient ecosystem for developing and imparting of outcome oriented skills for the Electronics Systems, Design and Manufacturing Industry (ESDM), would be happy to support the initiative going forward.

    The awareness exercise has given us a deep insight into E-waste management and ESSCI would be happy to undertake the initiative of effective capacity building for all skilling requirements around E-Waste management lice cycle in a structured manner and ensure a robust skill development program on E-Waste management in the country.

    I wish MAIT all the best in their future endeavours.

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    Shri N K Mohapatra

    Former CEO, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India
  • E-waste treatment and management remains a huge challenge in India with almost a twenty-five per cent annual growth! However, as a developing nation like ours, we should leverage on the situation through our efforts by more productively reusing and recycling for catering to the domestic demand at a cheaper cost and thus generating employment for our youth too! It could be a successful case of circular economy model and thus would make considerable contribution to the process of sustainable development!

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    Professor Manipadma Datta

    VC, Teri School of Advanced Studies
  • “We really appreciate the efforts of MeitY- very carefully planned and executed thereby increasing the awareness of e-waste. Will go a long way in a more responsible disposal of the electronic waste by all stakeholders thereby positively impacting the environment”

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    Mr. Vivek Seigell

    Principal Director, ICT Electronics Committee, PHDCCI
  • MEITY’s Initiative is aimed at raising awareness amongst relevant stakeholders on the costs of inappropriate recycling and the avenues for environment friendly management of e-waste. Over the last two years, it is well on its way achieve that purpose.

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    Ashish Chaturvedi

    Former Director, Climate Change, GIZ India
  • “MeitY has done a commendable job in creating e-waste awareness across key stakeholders i.e., public, government and industry through its policies and proactive initiatives favouring the environment. MeitY’s efforts on e-waste have always been reliable, efficient and responsive, we must strive to sustain it.”

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    Manish Sharma

    President, CEAMA
  • MeitY has managed to create a single national program that has the capability to transform E-waste management in India.With a firm belief in circular economy,this program in its first phase managed to create unprecedented awareness.As it progresses further,I am confident it will be revolutionary.All stakeholders must make the best use of this platform.

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    Anwar Shirpurwala