Inventory and Management of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) Waste in the Union Territory of Chandigarh

The management of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) waste has emerged as a pressing global issue, with India ranking as the third-largest generator of e-waste worldwide. This study meticulously examines the inventory of EEE waste in Chandigarh, India, for the fiscal year 2023-24, in accordance with the E-Waste Management and Handling Rules of 2016. The primary objective of this research is to project future e-waste generation based on sales data from 2023 to 2024 and to categorize this waste in line with the aforementioned regulations. Employing the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes, the study classifies various types of electronic equipment while estimating their average weight and lifespan. Data collection was conducted through comprehensive desk research, analysis of e-commerce platforms, and market insights to ascertain average prices and sales volumes of diverse EEE items. The volume of electronic waste generated is ascertained by synthesizing sales data with the mean weight of the products. This estimation utilizes sales figures from the year 2023 (January to December) and the first half of 2024 (January to July). The cumulative mass of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) sold totals an impressive 1,629.111 tons for the year 2023 (January-December) and 1,086.073 tons for the year 2024 (January-July), respectively. The analysis indicates that Chandigarh is anticipated to generate approximately 2,715.409 tons of e-waste by the year 2033-34. The research underscores the deficiency of designated e-waste recyclers in Chandigarh, which has led to the predominance of recycling activities within the informal sector. In conclusion, the study advocates for the reinforcement of regulatory frameworks, the stringent enforcement of extended producer responsibility, the integration of the informal sector, and the promotion of public awareness initiatives to effectively confront the escalating e-waste challenges in India. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities associated with e-waste management in urban environments and serve as a foundation for the formulation of more effective policies and practices aimed at sustainable e-waste management.