How Can Enterprises and Businesses in India Manage E-Waste

The sudden surge of IT and communication hubs in the country is truly impressive. A leap of job opportunities, an influx of the latest and leading-edge technologies, optimised revenue streams, and more; the perks are pretty obvious. Unfortunately, the downsides of growing industrialisation are mostly ignored. For example, the burgeoning count of e-waste stands out as an alarming issue. Think about it – how do you dispose of electronic products you no longer use? Simply trash it, right? Sadly, this contributes to the rising pile of plastic waste. Showing the ropes of responsible e-waste disposal is a pressing need.

What Are The Possible Causes of The Growing E-Waste?

Everyday evolution of technology results in the creation of innovative equipment and newer launches. The quick upgrades in electronic products coerce consumers to discard products and switch to new equipment in a spry. For example, the once-popular fax machines and transceivers are bygone. Smartphones and cutting-edge mainframes step in as alternatives. Ever wondered what happens to leftover electronic devices? It ends up as waste, plaguing landfills and contaminating the earth.

Mass production of electronic objects is not the only cause of the growing e-waste. Frequent upgrades make products dated and obsolete. Consumers, too, are quick to ditch outdated products and swap them for newer upgrades. Although operational, the gadgets stack up in wastelands, polluting the environment by leaps and bounds.

Are You Wondering How Improper E-Waste Disposal Is Harmful To The Environment?

The consequences of the mindless disposal of waste are awful, and electronics are no different. Very few know that even gadgets release chemicals that are toxic and baneful to the environment. Why just chemicals? Electronic equipment comprises toxic metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and nickel that are environmentally unfriendly.

Wondering if recycling is the right approach to e-waste management?

Unfortunately, recycling is not among the finest e-waste management techniques. In case you are not aware, businesses treat discarded electronics either by reprocessing, shredding, incinerating, or processing it via acid leeching, all of which impose hazardous effects on the environment. Also, e-waste recycling in India is not as effective or practical as it should be. The deteriorating condition of recycling centres abated hygienic aspects, and the lack of proper infrastructure makes recycling a lot less effective. Are you wondering, if not recycling, what’s next?

Well, the growing EPR awareness is the answer. EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility, is a strategic and environmental-friendly initiative that aims to scale back the adverse environmental impacts. Unlike recycling, EPR e-waste envisions prolonging the life cycle of products and dwindling the use of resources to manufacture newer products.

Is There A Way To Manage Improper E-Waste Disposal?

From manufacturers to the IT big guns, the whopping numbers of electronic waste is a serious issue. EPR awareness and circular economy are effective ways to turn down the odds of environmental impacts. Also, there are multiple ways by which businesses and industries can manage and dwindle e-waste. Here’s how:

1. Saying ‘Yes’ to recyclable electronic products

It is no secret that businesses often require bulk numbers of electrical devices and gadgets to carry on operations. Unfortunately, frequent and surplus purchases of goods contribute to the growing number of e-waste. Besides, little do you realise that tossing out products carelessly does not eradicate the data or personal information stored in them. Of course, this implies data breaches and cyber hazards. Choosing recyclable electrical devices is a strategic and promising alternative. The gadgets can be utilised for a longer time and can safekeep data from hackers.

2. Cloud storage is a present-day necessity

Are you looking for an easy start to e-waste management? Gone are the days when mammoth servers and storage solutions were enough to stack the zillion data. Cloud data solutions are the real deal today. From top commercial names to significant personal purposes, archiving data and setting data in order is easier done than thought with cloud storage solutions. What’s more? Cloud solutions rule out the need for large and high-maintenance servers.

3. Donate and not ditch

It might come as a surprise but handing out or exchanging electronic gadgets for newer items is a smart hack. Trashing old consoles or devices mindlessly adds to the landfill. Whereas there are numerous buy-back programs and companies gladly ready to purchase unused or obsolete electronic devices.

The recent stats:

Did you know that the country’s e-waste management market is growing exponentially? As per the latest reports, revenues are expected to spike by 14.25% or more by 2026. Strong initiatives and rising awareness propel the market. A significant name in the industry is Karo Sambhav, a Producer Responsibility Organisation. The company has earned e-waste authorisation to practise circular economy and efficient waste management using technology.

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