Comparative Analysis of Formal and Informal E-Waste Disposal Methods in Gurgaon: Implications for Environmental Pollution and Public Health

This research aims at the analysis of the effects of formal and informal methods of managing e-waste in Gurgaon–India. Having emerged as one of the most rapidly urbanizing cities in and around the technology belt of India southeastern Gurgaon is confronted with pressing issues of managing its increasing e-waste flow. The study aims to make a comparison of pollution situation as well as health impacts between formal and informal e-waste recycling industries. Research also shows that those methods involve informal processing of more than 95% of Gurgaon’s e- waste and result in much higher emission levels to the air, water, and soil as compared to the formal wash and drain recycling. This sector is common in developing nations and is considered hazardous to the environment as well as the health of workers as it involves the recycling of products that have hazardous chemicals that are released into the environment while recycling. E-waste categorized under informal disposal method has grave health impacts which have been proven by Toddler mortality ratio resulting from respiratory inferences and neuro disorder. The research also emphasises improved possibilities of controlled formal disposal systems on environmental conservation and health. These observations show how there is a dire need for improving legislation around these sectors, as well as increased surveillance of the informal sector that should be integrated into the formal recycling channels. In the light of the findings, it can be concluded that in order to have effective policy interventions on e-waste scenario in Gurgaon it is necessary to strengthen existing norms, public awareness and generation of context relevant technology in the growing urban paradigm.