Critical appraisal of regulatory frameworks and compliance deficiencies in e-waste governance: A case analysis of Bhavnagar, Gujarat

The paper examines the regulatory framework of e-waste in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, with regard to adherence and the ground realities of the informal recycling industry. Overall findings from a mixed-methods approach include high levels of awareness of e-waste, with only 28.3% of recyclers being aware of the (E-Waste) (Management) Rules. Meanwhile, 90% of them state that they do not know who regulates it. It was shown that hazardous activities, such as open burning (57.5%) and acid leaching (22.5%), were conducted, and only 32.5% of workers wore protective gear. Immigrants showed health issues; 55.8% of them had respiratory problems, and 40.8% had burns on their skin, depending on the situation. Also, 88.3% of the recyclers were unlicensed, and 93.3% of all the recyclers had no formal training. These findings reveal that the targets should be addressed using specific awareness, simplification of formalization, and incentives. In a bid to limit its health and environmental suicidal impact, the study recommends that close monitoring, provision of protective gear, and incorporation of the informal recycler into the formal structure be implemented.