​​​​​​​Extended Producer Responsibility in E-Waste Management​

1. Extended Producer Responsibility in E-Waste Management Roles, Compliance, and Impact in India's Circular Economy

2. India's E-Waste Challenge India generates over 3.2 million tonnes of e-waste annually, ranking third globally. With rapid digitalisation and increased electronics consumption, this figure is projected to grow 30% by 2025. 3.2M 10% Tonnes Annually Formal Recycling Only 10-15% of e-waste is currently recycled through formal channels, leaving toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium to contaminate soil and water. The informal sector processes the remainder under hazardous conditions. E-waste generated in India Current collection rate 30% This growing crisis demands urgent regulatory intervention and producer accountability. Projected Growth Increase by 2025

3. Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach that makes manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly post-consumer management and disposal. 01 02 Design Phase Market Phase Producers design products with end-of-life considerations, emphasising recyclability and reduced hazardous materials. Products are sold with built-in collection and recycling mechanisms, ensuring transparent supply chains. 03 04 Collection Phase Recovery Phase Producers establish take-back programmes and collection networks across distribution channels. Materials are recovered, recycled, and reintroduced into manufacturing, closing the loop.

4. Why EPR Matters Environmental Protection Prevents toxic substances from contaminating ecosystems and reduces landfill burden by diverting e-waste to proper recycling channels. Resource Conservation Recovers valuable materials like gold, silver, copper, and rare earth elements, reducing dependency on virgin mining. Regulatory Compliance Ensures manufacturers meet legal obligations under the E-Waste Management Rules, avoiding penalties and reputational damage. Innovation Driver Encourages sustainable product design, eco-friendly materials, and technological advances in recycling processes.

5. Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities Manufacturers & Importers • Register with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) • Establish collection centres and take-back systems • Meet annual collection and recycling targets (70% by weight) • Maintain detailed records and submit quarterly reports Authorised Recyclers • Obtain authorisation from State Pollution Control Boards • Process e-waste using environmentally sound methods • Ensure safe handling of hazardous components • Provide certificates of recycling to producers Producer Responsibility Organisations • Act as intermediaries between producers and recyclers • Aggregate collection efforts for small-scale producers • Facilitate compliance through shared infrastructure

6. EPR Compliance Framework in India Legal Foundation Key Requirements The E-Waste (Management) Rules, first introduced in 2016 and amended in 2022, establish India's EPR framework. These rules mandate producers to achieve specific collection targets and ensure environmentally sound disposal. 1 Registration Obtain EPR authorisation from CPCB 2 Targets Achieve mandated collection percentages The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) oversees policy, whilst the CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards enforce compliance through registration, audits, and penalties. 3 Reporting Submit annual returns and maintain records 4 Audits Undergo third-party verification processes

7. EPR Collection Targets The 2022 amendments introduced phased targets to ensure gradual but consistent improvement in e-waste management across India. 2023-24 Target 2026-27 Target Targets are expressed as percentage by weight of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market in the preceding year. Non-compliance results in financial penalties and potential suspension of operations.

8. Impact on Circular Economy and Sustainability Conscious Consumption Extended Lifespan EPR awareness drives informed purchasing decisions favouring sustainable brands. Repairability and refurbishment programmes extend product utility and reduce waste. Sustainable Design Efficient Collection Producers integrate circularity principles from concept through manufacturing. Structured take-back systems ensure proper channelling of end-of-life electronics. Safe Processing Resource Recovery Authorised facilities recover valuable materials whilst neutralising hazardous substances. Reclaimed materials re-enter supply chains, reducing extraction pressures. This regenerative model creates economic value whilst protecting environmental health, demonstrating that profitability and sustainability are complementary objectives.

9. Case Study: Attero's EPR Implementation Leading by Example Measurable Outcomes Attero Recycling, India's largest integrated end-to-end IT asset management and e-waste recycling company, processes over 144,000 tonnes annually across multiple facilities. Their EPR model includes nationwide collection networks, cutting-edge hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes, and zero-landfill operations. They partner with over 200 electronics manufacturers to ensure compliance. 98% Recovery Rate Materials recovered from e-waste 100% Zero Landfill Complete waste diversion 200+ Partnerships Manufacturer collaborations Attero's success demonstrates that robust EPR systems are both environmentally beneficial and economically viable, setting benchmarks for the industry.

10. Collective Responsibility for a Sustainable Future Producer Commitment Manufacturers must view EPR not as regulatory burden but as strategic opportunity for innovation, brand differentiation, and long-term viability. Government Enforcement Consistent monitoring, transparent reporting, and strict penalties ensure the regulatory framework achieves intended environmental outcomes. Consumer Participation Public awareness and engagement in take-back programmes are essential for maximising collection rates and system effectiveness. Industry Collaboration Shared infrastructure, technology transfer, and collective action amplify impact whilst reducing individual compliance costs. EPR represents a fundamental shift towards circular economic models where waste is recognised as valuable resource. India's journey towards comprehensive e-waste management depends on sustained commitment from all stakeholders—only through collective action can we build a truly sustainable digital economy.