Hyderabad Records 52 Percentage E‑Waste Growth in Five Years Amid Recycling Shortfall (1)
Hyderabad is grappling with a burgeoning electronic waste crisis, as the volume of discarded electronic devices has surged dramatically over the past five years, outpacing the city’s formal recycling capacity. Data from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) reveals a concerning increase in e-waste generation, from 33,425 metric tonnes in 2017-18 to 50,835 metric tonnes by 2021-22. This exponential growth, coupled with insufficient regulated processing infrastructure, is escalating environmental degradation and posing severe public health risks, demanding immediate and robust policy interventions for a sustainable future.
The proliferation of e-waste, which includes everything from smartphones and laptops to refrigerators and televisions, presents a formidable challenge due to the hazardous substances embedded within these devices. Components containing lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium, if not disposed of correctly, leach into the environment, contaminating air, water, and soil. Public health experts have voiced serious concerns, highlighting that such contamination can lead to a spectrum of debilitating health issues, including respiratory ailments, neurological damage, and chronic diseases. Particularly vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, face heightened risks, underscoring the urgent need for stringent enforcement of e-waste regulations and increased public awareness regarding responsible disposal.
Despite Telangana boasting 21 certified e-waste recyclers and two refurbishers with a combined processing capacity of 3.6 tonnes per annum, a disconcertingly small fraction of Hyderabad’s total e-waste is channelled through these authorised facilities. This significant disparity points to systemic gaps in collection mechanisms, public awareness, and the formalisation of the waste management sector. Environmental researchers and waste policy experts highlight that a substantial portion of the city’s electronic refuse ends up in unregulated landfills or is processed by informal workers under unsafe conditions in peri-urban areas. These illicit dismantling practices not only pollute vital water sources but also expose waste pickers, often lacking protective gear, to direct and severe health hazards from toxic materials.
The broader national context mirrors Hyderabad’s challenges, with over 14,000 Producer, Importer, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) having received notices for failing to meet their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets. This indicates a systemic challenge in compliance and enforcement across India. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change’s 2022 expansion of the EPR framework to include various waste streams, including e-waste, batteries, and tyres, aims to hold manufacturers and importers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. This policy shift is critical for fostering a circular economy, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable production and consumption practices. However, its effective implementation requires rigorous monitoring and enforcement.
The growing e-waste accumulation in Hyderabad is a ticking environmental and public health time bomb. Without concerted efforts to strengthen regulatory enforcement, expand formal recycling infrastructure, and dramatically improve public participation in responsible e-waste disposal, the city risks a profound ecological and health crisis. The transition from informal to formal recycling channels, coupled with robust public awareness campaigns, is imperative. Hyderabad has the opportunity to lead by example in creating a truly zero net carbon, eco-friendly, and sustainable urban environment where waste management is not an afterthought but an integrated component of equitable city planning.
