Babita, Research Scholar, School of Law, Justice & Governance, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida
Dr.Krishna Kant Dwivedi, Assistant Professor, GBU School of Law, Justice & Governance, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida
INTRODUCTION:
Globally, waste management has received a lot of attention throughout the years, particularly when it comes to plastic. However, e-waste, which is among the most hazardous type of waste because it includes heavy metals and other toxic substances, continues to be a major problem (Vakkalanka, 2018).
Electronic items that are nearing the end of their "useful life" are referred to as "e- waste." Common electronic products include computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines. Numerous of these items can be recycled, repaired, or reused. Depending on their density and condition, certain materials found in some electrical equipment can be harmful. The toxic compounds in e-waste naturally leach off the metals when it is buried, making them particularly hazardous (GLEC, 2022). Today's world is characterized by fierce international competition and rapid technical advancement (Gharaei, 2019). To enjoy a lavish life, people are heavily dependent on electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). As a result, increased demand and consumption have opened up new markets for the sale of EEEs and developed the global Electronic-Web (E-Web). E- waste has besieged, and its management has emerged as one of the world's most pressing problems. It has emerged as a potential worldwide threat (Namias, 2013) while also being regarded as a secondary source of key metals (Işıldar, 2018). A complex structure and design are created by the combined amalgamation of components, including valuable, precious, hazardous, and inert (Kumar & Arya, 2020)
In 2019, the globe produced an unprecedented 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of e- waste, a 21% rise in just five years, according to the United Nations Global E-waste Monitor 2020 (Balde C. P., Kuehr, Garam, & Forti, 2020). According to the same report, Asia generated 24.9 Mt of E-waste in 2019, and two Asian economies (China and India) along with the United States, contributed to 38% of that total. The Global South is currently the center of the electronics manufacturing industry, satisfying the demands of both its populations and the growing needs of the Global North. The electronics sector consumes a lot of natural resources and energy, which leads to an increase in the production of post-consumer waste in the form of electronic waste (Borthakur, 2022).
