E-Waste Toxicity and Its Environmental Impact, Challenges, and Solutions for Sustainable Waste Management in India

Year : 2025 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 02 | Page : 1 11
    By

    Stephen Monday,

  • Atul Khajuria,

  • Eric Kwasi Elliason,

  • J. Samuel Kamanda,

  1. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  2. Director & Professor, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  3. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  4. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India

Abstract

Introduction: E-waste describes any electronic component that is obsolete or no longer functional. The ever-increasing public concern of e-waste in India stems predominantly from the aggressive expansion of the electronics industry along with insufficient recycling and disposal practices. Lead, mercury, and cadmium in e-waste pose serious risks to human health and the environment by polluting air, soil, and water. Informal recycling methods further exacerbate these hazards through unsafe practices. This study examines e-waste toxicity, evaluates recycling workers’ knowledge and practices, and explores sustainable solutions to this growing issue. Methods: A structured field survey targeting knowledge, methods of disposal, and safety practices was carried out among 10,000 e-waste recycling workers in India. The study sampled 385 respondents using the Taro Yamane formula with a 5% margin of error. Participants, aged 18–35, had varying education levels – primary, secondary, and tertiary. Additionally, books, government policies, and literature were analyzed to explore solutions for e-waste management. Results: Demographics: 72% of respondents were aged 18–25, with education levels ranging from primary school to university. Most (60%) were from rural areas, while 40% were from urban and semi-urban settings. Awareness & Practices: 85% recognized e-waste dangers, but only 40% disposed of them properly. Alarmingly, 30% frequently handled harmful substances without protective gear. Challenges: Issues included weak law enforcement, a lack of safe recycling centers, and low awareness among workers. Solutions: 85% supported stricter laws, particularly EPR, while 70% emphasized public-private collaboration in establishing formal recycling centers. Solutions – 85% of the respondents concentrated on the need for enforcing stricter laws especially EPR, while 70% of respondents stressed the need for collaboration between the public and private sector in the establishment of formalized e-waste recycling centers. Take Home Message – Improper e-waste handling poses serious health and environmental risks. Stricter regulations and collaborative recycling efforts are essential for a sustainable e-waste disposal solution in India.

Keywords: E-waste, environmental impact, hazardous waste, sustainable waste management, recycling, India, EPR, public health, policy

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology ]

How to cite this article:
Stephen Monday, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, J. Samuel Kamanda. E-Waste Toxicity and Its Environmental Impact, Challenges, and Solutions for Sustainable Waste Management in India. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology. 2025; 15(02):1-11.
How to cite this URL:
Stephen Monday, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, J. Samuel Kamanda. E-Waste Toxicity and Its Environmental Impact, Challenges, and Solutions for Sustainable Waste Management in India. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology. 2025; 15(02):1-11. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjot/article=2025/view=211875


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 15
Issue 02
Received 27/03/2025
Accepted 03/04/2025
Published 03/06/2025
Publication Time 68 Days
207

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