Electronic waste in India
India has emerged as fifth largest Electronic waste producer in world.[1] Computer devices account for nearly 70% of e-waste, with the contribution of telecom sector being 12%, medical equipment being 8%, and electric equipments being 7% of the annual e-waste production. The Government, public sector companies, and private sector companies generate nearly 75% of electronic waste; with the contribution of individual household being only 16%. City-wise, Mumbai tops the list in producing electronic waste, followed by New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai. State-wise Maharashtra ranks first in generation of electronic waste, followed by Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.[2] Electronic waste account for 40% of lead and 70% of heavy metals found in landfills. These pollutants are responsible for groundwater contamination, air pollution and soil acidification.[3][4] The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016. The rules - for the first time in India - introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).[5] EPR stipulates for collection 30% waste in first two years and up to 70% in seven years.[6] According to ASSOCHAM, an industrial body in India the, Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of electronic waste is 30%. [7] Nearly 95% of processing of electronic waste is carried out by the unskilled informal sector.[8]