Fourth Global E-waste Monitor (GEM) 2024 Report Released

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Report is prepared in partnership of the UNITAR’s Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme, ITU (International Telecommunication Union) and Fondation Carmignac.
- UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future.

Key Findings
- Record E-Waste Generation: 62 million tonnes of e-waste produced in 2022, up 82% from 2010.
  - Expected to rise by 32% to 82 million tonnes by 2030.
- Recycling Gap: Only 1% of rare earth element demand is met by e-waste recycling.
  - E-waste generation is increasing five times faster than documented e-waste recycling.
- India Status: It is one of the world’s largest generators of e-waste i.e., 4137 million kg.

E-waste refers to all items of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by its owner as waste without the intent of re-use. E.g. Discarded mobiles, T.V etc.
- E-waste contains toxic materials or can produce toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury etc. which can cause adverse neonatal outcomes, reduced lung and respiratory function etc.
- Issues in management: Limited repair options, shorter product life cycles, inadequate e-waste management infrastructure etc.

E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 notified by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- 2022 rules replaced the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016.
- These rules are managed by Central Pollution Control Board.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for e-waste management was introduced in E-Waste Rules, 2011.
- Rules are notified Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
Promotion of Circular Economy