TDB-DST supports M/s Eco Recycling Limited’s Innovative “Recycling on Wheels Smart ER” to address India’s E-waste Challenge.

Delhi: The escalating global e-waste crisis is a cause for concern, and India is grappling with this pressing issue as well. The informal sector’s inadequate handling of electronic waste has led to significant environmental risks and health hazards for those involved. Surprisingly, only a mere 20% of electronic waste in India undergoes formal recycling, despite the country generating a staggering 3.2 million tonnes of e-waste in the fiscal year 2019-20.

In response to this urgent challenge and in line with the recent call by the Hon’ble Prime Minister during the 97th Mann Ki Baat episode for increased awareness about proper e-waste disposal to protect our environment, the Technology Development Board (TDB) is pleased to announce its strategic support for M/s Eco Recycling Limited, a Mumbai-based publicly traded company. This innovative e-waste management project has received approval with financial backing of ₹6.00 crores from TDB, out of the total project cost of ₹12.00 crores.

At the heart of this initiative is the “Recycling on Wheels Smart ER,” an innovative strategy aimed at addressing and bridging the gaps in e-waste management. This creative solution presents a multifaceted approach.

The project’s operational process has been meticulously designed for optimal efficiency:

1. Deployment of a mobile e-waste pre-processing facility on-site.

2. Scanning and serialization of electronic devices for e-waste.

3. Feeding the devices into a shredder for fragmentation.

4. The shredded material is collected in secure bins below the shredder.

5. Environmentally friendly collection of the shredded e-waste.

In today’s evolving regulatory environment, even the informal sector is transitioning towards a more formal approach to e-waste management. Furthermore, this project goes beyond the ordinary by providing skill development opportunities for informal sector workers, aligning with the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and demonstrating a commitment to both environmental sustainability and improved livelihoods.

This adaptable project caters to a variety of needs, including Special Economic Zones (SEZs), R&D centers, and similar locations. What sets this project apart is its uniqueness; there is no comparable “Recycling on Wheels” setup currently in existence in India. It not only addresses a critical gap in e-waste management but also promises a positive societal impact.

The key feature of collecting shredded e-waste lies in its potential to enhance transportation efficiency while simultaneously reducing costs and labor requirements. Additionally, in the project’s second phase, the company envisions processing the shredded waste to extract valuable precious metals, contributing significantly to the concept of a circular economy.

Mr. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of TDB, expressed, “TDB is honored to support M/s Eco Recycling Limited’s visionary proposal for the ‘Recycling on Wheels Facility.’ This project represents a significant stride toward achieving ‘Waste Free Cities’ and addressing the e-waste challenge in India. It exemplifies our dedication to promoting innovation, environmental sustainability, and a positive societal impact.”