From smart phones to laptops, 206 mn obsolete devices lying with households

Disposal, recycling of e-waste continue to be a major challenge

As many as 206 million devices — smart phones and laptops — are lying idle with consumer households, according to a report and survey by the Indian Cellular and Electronic Association (ICEA) along with Accenture.
 

Based on estimates available till FY21, the staggering numbers show that there are serious challenges in the effective disposal of electronic waste or waste from electrical and electronic equipment in the country, even as this has become a key focus area of the government in order to improve the environment and ensure sustainable production.
 

According to the report, called “Pathways to a Circular Economy in