AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE E-WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING: BRIDGING FORMAL AND INFORMAL SECTORS

Abstract

The rapid growth of electronic device consumption has resulted in a significant increase in electronic waste (e-waste), posing serious environmental and public health challenges worldwide. Developing countries, particularly India, face unique challenges in managing e-waste due to the coexistence of formal recycling systems and a large informal sector that dominates collection and dismantling activities. While the informal sector plays a crucial role in resource recovery and employment generation, its practices often involve unsafe methods that lead to environmental pollution and health hazards. Therefore, integrating formal and informal sectors has emerged as a promising strategy for achieving sustainable e-waste management.