New Delhi: India is ramping up efforts to expand electronic waste (e-waste) recycling infrastructure nationwide, aiming to recover critical minerals essential for clean energy and electronics manufacturing. The government’s renewed focus comes as part of its broader strategy to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce dependence on imports.
According to officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), new policy measures under consideration will make it mandatory for large electronics manufacturers to channel their discarded products through certified recycling centers. The move is expected to significantly boost the recovery of valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements — all of which are vital for batteries, semiconductors, and renewable energy systems.
India generates over 1.7 million tonnes of e-waste annually, according to government estimates, with only around 30% processed through formal recycling systems. The rest often ends up in informal scrapyards, leading to health hazards and environmental contamination.
“E-waste is the new mining field. Proper recovery can help India secure materials critical for its EV and electronics revolution,” said a senior NITI Aayog official. The government is also planning to support startups specializing in urban mining and incentivize state governments to set up regional e-waste collection hubs.
Industry experts have welcomed the move, noting that advanced recycling technologies can help India achieve its net-zero goals and create a domestic source of critical minerals. “Circular economy models are key to future sustainability,” said Anirban Gupta, CEO of GreenMet Recyclers, adding that proper enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms is essential for success.
India’s efforts align with global trends, as countries like Japan and the European Union have already built robust e-waste recovery systems. The government is expected to introduce the updated E-Waste Management Rules 2025 early next year to support the initiative.