India is highlighting responsible electronic waste management during its 2026 BRICS Presidency, with a focus on recycling, resource recovery and sustainable lifestyles to protect the environment and human health.
The growing volume of discarded electronic equipment, including mobile phones, computers, laptops and other devices, presents an increasing waste-management challenge. These products contain valuable materials that can be recovered and reused, while improper handling and disposal can expose people and the environment to hazardous substances.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
India generated approximately 1.398 million metric tonnes of e-waste in FY 2024–25.
BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week 2026 is being observed from November 1 to 7.
November 6 is dedicated to e-waste management.
India's E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, came into effect on April 1, 2023.
The rules establish an Extended Producer Responsibility framework.
Paragraph 114 of the BRICS New Delhi Declaration addresses integrated waste management, recycling and resource recovery.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India generated approximately 1.398 million metric tonnes of e-waste during the financial year 2024–25.
To address the challenge, India introduced the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which came into effect on April 1, 2023. The rules establish an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to strengthen the collection, recycling and environmentally sound management of electronic waste.
Under this framework, producers, manufacturers, refurbishers and recyclers covered by the rules are required to register through the prescribed CPCB online system. The framework aims to improve accountability and ensure that electronic waste is processed through authorised channels.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Improper disposal of electronic waste can create environmental and public health risks. Responsible collection, repair, reuse and authorised recycling can help recover valuable materials, reduce pollution and support sustainable resource use.
At the BRICS level, the New Delhi Declaration, adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit held on September 12 and 13, 2026, addresses the growing challenge of waste generation.
Paragraph 114 of the declaration emphasises the importance of strengthening integrated waste-management systems through national policy instruments such as Extended Producer Responsibility, eco-design, sustainable public procurement, improved monitoring and investment in recycling and resource-recovery infrastructure.
The declaration also welcomes the possibility of organising BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week in 2026.
The week is being observed across India from November 1 to 7 under the principles of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Each day focuses on a specific sustainability theme, with November 6 dedicated to e-waste management.
The initiative encourages citizens, particularly young people, to adopt environmentally responsible practices. These include repairing and reusing electronic devices wherever possible, separating discarded electronics from regular household waste and handing them over to authorised collection centres or recyclers.
Through these measures, India is promoting greater public awareness about electronic waste while encouraging resource recovery, recycling and a circular economy.
