India has become the world’s third-largest generator of electronic waste, producing 3.8 million metric tonnes in FY24, according to RedSeer’s Consumer-led E-Waste Market Assessment.
Yet the country recycles only 16% of this waste through formal channels, risking environmental degradation and losing out on a $6 billion circular economy opportunity. A staggering 70% of India’s e-waste originates from households, dominated by discarded refrigerators, air conditioners, and large appliances. This consumer-driven segment has nearly doubled in five years and is projected to exceed 4 MMT by FY30. But inefficient collection and outdated recovery technologies mean the bulk of valuable metals—iron, copper, aluminium, and gold—remains untapped. Of the estimated $1.1 billion in annual metal value embedded in consumer e-waste, only $330 million is formally recovered. The remaining $770 million is siphoned off by informal recyclers using hazardous and inefficient methods. These unregulated networks dominate collection, offering doorstep services and quick cash that appeal to average consumers but contribute to toxic exposure and environmental damage. Grade A facilities in India recover only 15–20% of a device’s metals. Informal handlers, despite their prevalence, lack safety standards and pollute soil and water through open burning and acid-leaching. According to industry experts, roughly 10–15% of e-waste remains hoarded in homes, forming a “latent pool” worth billions.
Although India implemented an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework in 2016—expanding from 21 to 106 product categories and increasing recycling targets to 60% in FY24—the system struggles with weak enforcement, low EPR fees, and poor digital traceability. Experts suggest aligning Indian fees with global benchmarks and mandating real-time mobile reporting. Private players like Attero are leading innovation. With a patented hydrometallurgical process achieving 98% efficiency at its Roorkee plant, Attero plans to expand its annual recycling capacity to over 400,000 tonnes. However, most recyclers still rely on manual dismantling or basic smelting, lacking access to advanced methods like bioleaching or supercritical-fluid extraction. To bridge the gap, experts advocate integrating informal workers through training, PPE access, and micro-finance, alongside stronger consumer incentives like trade-in programmes and bill credits. R&D funding, digital platforms for traceability, and public awareness campaigns are also essential to scale sustainable recovery.
India’s growing mountain of e-waste represents both a looming crisis and a critical economic resource. Unless coordinated action is taken to formalise the sector and enhance recovery efficiency, the country risks losing not just metal value but a key chance to lead in global circular economy solutions.
