India has witnessed the highest 163 per cent growth globally in generating electronic waste from screens, computers, and small IT and telecommunication equipment (SCSIT) between 2010 and 2022. According to a United Nations Trade and Development (Unctad) report, the ‘2024 Digital Economy Report’ India doubled its share in SCSIT waste generation in the world from 3.1 per cent in 2010 to 6.4 per cent in 2022.
The report states that developing countries in Asia generated most of such waste in 2022, with China contributing almost half of it.
Underlining the detrimental effects of electronic waste, the report says a significant portion of waste generated from digitalisation is managed in informal settings, particularly in developing countries.
“Digitalisation-related waste contains hazardous materials which, if not properly handled and treated, can have damaging effects on the environment and human health. Toxic materials include heavy metals and substances such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, as well as persistent organic pollutants,” the report said.
The report however acknowledges India’s efforts in minimising the impact of product packaging and waste and lauds the country’s move towards more sustainable transportation and delivery.
“Amazon India has taken steps to achieve complete elimination of single-use plastic, including by replacing plastic packaging material such as bubble wraps and air pillows with ‘paper cushion’. Zypp Electric, a last-mile delivery company in India, delivers goods using a fleet of zero-emissions electric scooters and has invested in a charging network in urban centres,” it said.
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