A new United Nations report revealed just how big India's electronics waste problem really is. In just 2009, India generated 5.9 million tonnes of hazardous waste. The report expects that number to increase significantly in the coming years and hit 500 percent over 2007 levels by 2020. The waste stream for cell phones would increase eighteen times over 2007 numbers by 2020.
Not all this waste is homegrown though. The New Dehli-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reports that, in addition to generating about 350,000 tonnes of electronic waste every year, India imports another 50,000 tonnes. This is despite Organization for Cooperation and Economic Development (OECD) rules against exporting hazardous substances such as those contained in electronics to developing nations.
The Indian parliament is currently working on legislation which would potentially make manufacturers responsible for e-waste management and incorporate safe recycling requirements. Of course, India has been working on these rules since 2004 but a renewed push this year may help them come to fruition.
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