# E-Waste Challenges in India: Environmental and Human Health Impacts
## 4 Major Challenges Related to E-Waste-Management in India  
The main challenges related to the management of electronic waste in India are presented in Figure 6.  
* Rising level of e-waste quantities: Due to the increase in population growth and urban development, the need for smart electronic devices has grown, expanding the generation [33]. * Poor infrastructure: The existing infrastructure cannot handle increasing amounts of electronic waste, such as the absence of functional recycling plants, old and outdated recycling tools and facilities, limited collection centers, and safe disposal mechanisms and sites [34,35]. Figure 5: Top leading counties based on e-waste generation in 2022 (based on data [[https://www.statista.com/statistics/499952/ewaste-generation-worldwide-by-major-country/](https://www.statista.com/statistics/499952/ewaste-generation-worldwide-by-major-country/)]([https://www.statista.com/statistics/499952/ewaste-generation-worldwide-by-major-country/](https://www.statista.com/statistics/499952/ewaste-generation-worldwide-by-major-country/)) (accessed on 5 January 2025)). * Informal handling and management of electronic waste: Almost 95% of e-waste is collected, handled, and managed via informal channels. Workers from marginalized sections of society work in unsafe and unhealthy conditions without using protective gear. They use rudimentary techniques, including open combustion, heating, physical dismantling, melting, and acid leaching processes, which pose critical risks to their well-being and the nearby environment [35]. * Illegal dumping: Electronic equipment waste is primarily improperly disposed of, mainly in sanitary landfills [36]. This improper disposal releases toxic emissions and contaminants, mainly polluting nearby air, soil, and water bodies [35; 36]. * The legal regulations are weak. There are weak regulatory guidelines regarding the management of electronic waste, and there is no adequate strict enforcement of fines, penalties, and punishments for the culprits. Illegal importing of electronic waste from developed countries continues to occur. * Health impact: Economically poor, marginalized communities face a higher risk of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, hazardous substances, and toxic metals such as lead (Pb), which can cause neurological disorders, and mercury (Hg), which can harm the kidney [37] and cause other problems such as skin, eye-related problems, developmental disorders, neurological disorders, and respiratory diseases. * Child labor: Child labor is a serious challenge in areas like Seelampur (Delhi), one of the leading centers for dismantling e-waste [38]. Young children and ragpickers scavenge in search of valuable metals, including gold, copper, and silver, unaware of the severe health problems they may face. * Lack of awareness: The local population lacks awareness and education about the proper disposal mechanism for electronic waste generated from household waste, resulting in increased accumulation in landfills [39]. * Lack of information: There is limited information and understanding regarding the nature, quantity, and quality of electronic waste generated. Proper sales and purchase data records are crucial for analyzing the volume of generated electronic waste, but these are not appropriately maintained [35; 36]. The authors of studies should discuss the results and how they can be interpreted from the perspective of previous studies and working hypotheses see Table 1. The findings and their implications should be addressed in the broadest possible context. Future research directions may also be highlighted. Figure 6: Major challenges related to e-waste management in India.