India’s e-waste has nearly doubled in the last decade, with only 16% formally recycled. Strengthening formal recycling networks and policy enforcement could unlock a $6 billion economic potential while reducing environmental impact.
India’s E-Waste Doubles in a Decade
India has emerged as the third-largest e-waste producer globally, following China and the United States. The country’s e-waste generation has nearly doubled from 2 million metric tons (MMT) in FY14 to 3.8 MMT in FY24, driven by rapid urbanization and rising incomes. According to a recent report, India’s e-waste holds an estimated economic potential of $6 billion, primarily from recoverable materials through metal extraction.
The report highlights the urgent need for structured e-waste management and stronger formal recycling infrastructure to unlock the sector’s full potential. With the increasing number of discarded electronic devices, the demand for efficient recycling strategies has never been higher.
Key Trends in India’s E-Waste Sector
1. Growth of Formal Recycling
Currently, only 16% of consumer e-waste is processed by formal recyclers. While the formal recycling sector is expected to grow at a 17% CAGR by FY35, it will still handle just 40% of India’s total e-waste. The sector faces intense competition from informal recyclers, who dominate due to lower compliance costs and well-established collection networks.
2. The Dominance of the Informal Sector
An estimated 60-70% of India’s consumer e-waste is processed through informal channels, leading to unsafe extraction methods, environmental pollution, and severe health risks for workers. Additionally, 10-15% of e-waste remains stored in households, while 8-10% ends up in landfills, further reducing overall recycling efficiency.
3. The Role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
The Indian government has implemented an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to promote sustainable e-waste management. Initially introduced as a voluntary initiative in 2011, EPR is now mandatory with defined collection targets for producers. However, challenges such as low minimum EPR fees and limited formal recycling capacity continue to hinder its effectiveness.
4. Secondary Metal Extraction: A $6 Billion Opportunity
India’s e-waste contains valuable metals worth $6 billion, yet current extraction technologies can only recover 60-65% ($3.6 billion) of this potential. At present, formal and informal recyclers extract only $1.1 billion worth of metals, with informal players handling nearly two-thirds of the total volume. Strengthening formal recycling networks could boost metal recovery rates and reduce India’s metal import demand by up to $1.7 billion.
India’s Path to a Sustainable E-Waste Ecosystem
Jasbir S. Juneja, Partner at Redseer Strategy Consultants, emphasized the growing significance of e-waste recycling in India. He stated,
“The volume of e-waste is expected to rise in the coming years. The increasing value of metals in e-waste presents a major opportunity for India to enhance recovery efficiency and establish itself as a leader in sustainable metal extraction.”
He further added,
“Scaling formal recycling operations, strengthening regulatory enforcement, and incentivizing circular economy practices will be crucial for sustainable economic and environmental benefits. With the right policy push, India can significantly reduce its reliance on metal imports and emerge as a global leader in e-waste recycling.”
Way Forward
The report serves as a strategic roadmap for policymakers, recyclers, and industry stakeholders to tap into India’s growing e-waste market while ensuring environmental sustainability. Expanding formal recycling networks, implementing stricter regulations, and encouraging responsible e-waste disposal are essential steps toward a more efficient and sustainable recycling ecosystem.
To explore the full report and its insights, access the Consumer-led E-Waste Market Assessment.