E-Waste, A New Challenge to the Environmentalists

Electronic waste or e-waste is one of the rapidly growing problems of the world. E-waste comprises of a multiple of components, some containing a toxic substance that can have an adverse impact on human health and the environment if not handled properly. Rapid economic growth in Asia and the increasing transboundary movement of secondary resources will increase that require both 3R endeavours (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) in each country. In India e-waste management assumes a greater significance not only due to generation of its own e-waste but also because of the dumping of e-waste from developed countries. This paper highlights the concise overview of India's current e-waste scenario, namely magnitude of problem, environmental and health hazards, current disposal and recycling operation, existing legal framework, organization working on the issue and recommendation for action with regulatory bodies in India.