E-waste
Also called: Electronic waste · Topic: Geographical Issues: Pollution, Urban Waste, Slums and Land Degradation · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
E-waste is electrical and electronic goods that people have thrown away, such as old phones, computers and televisions. It contains useful metals but also toxic parts, so it needs safe recycling. India is the third-largest producer of e-waste, after China and the US. The E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022 set recycling targets for producers. Much e-waste is still broken down by informal workers, who often lack safe tools and protection (verify current).
Example
At Seelampur in north-east Delhi, workers take apart old electronics by hand in small units to recover metals (verify current).
Don't confuse with
- Solid waste (municipal): everyday household and shop garbage. E-waste is a special stream with its own rules because of its toxic parts.
Related concepts
- Solid waste
- Urban waste disposal
- Legacy waste
- Single-use plastic ban
- Extended producer responsibility
- Solid Waste Management Rules 2026