Even as technology has helped bring the world closer and made several tasks easier to navigate, it has also resulted in the chronic problem of e-waste. Scores of gadgets such as smartphones and other electronic devices are produced, owned, and then discarded when the latest version is introduced in the market. With India producing more than two million tonnes of e-waste every year, it has raised some questions about how to reduce this burgeoning issue that poses a threat to the environment. 

India has an informal e-waste recycling sector wherein used/discarded electrical and electronic products are collected, sorted, repaired, refurbished, and/or dismantled. However, unlike in advanced countries, there is no concept of consumers voluntarily donating used electrical and electronic equipment at formal e-waste recycling centers in India. The heavy reliance on the informal sector for e-waste recycling has given rise to various challenges such as non-compliance or violation of e-waste handling and lack of broader public knowledge regarding market prices with health safety costs of e-waste.

When generated, the toxic material present in e-waste gets mixed with earth, air, and water, causing health issues. For example, the oil and gases present in e-waste like compressors and CRT causes environment pollution and the batteries contain highly hazardous elements, burning of rubber and plastic in open areas causes air pollution. While the poor or lack of infrastructure for e-waste management is the key challenge, e-commerce with its strong logistics and supply chain portfolio offers an opportunity to implement end-to-end solutions to arrest e-waste appropriately.

A solid system for e-waste management

Discarding electronic products big or small, without realizing their economic resale value, has aggravated the growing problem of e-waste. Responsible disposal is pertinent for saving the planet from its harmful effects. And it all begins with how to manage the discarded items by adding value to them. Re-commerce, or reverse supply chain is an apt solution. It entails features such as exchanging old products for new ones; reselling returned products; repairing defective electronics; or recycling or refurbishing used gadgets.

Today, e-commerce players in India are harnessing the power of their supply chain network to bridge the existing gap between irresponsible disposal of e-waste and the sustainable process of recycling/reusing consumer tech products. Along with a foolproof logistics system and a pan India reach, they also offer services such as free uninstallation services by experts and hassle-free doorstep pickups, especially for bigger electronic products such as TVs and ACs.

Organized refurbishment facilities have also come up to eliminate the use of substandard parts and processes, thereby ensuring the durability of second-hand devices. Thorough diagnostics procedures adopted by organized players also increase the resale value of used electronics, providing substantially higher value than in the unorganized re-commerce market. In terms of second-hand products, warranty is often unheard of, however, the entry of organized re-commerce players has also made this a possible solution. Such initiatives then extend product life and can have a deeper impact on curtailing e-waste generation.

Today, India has one of the most promising markets for second-hand devices and the availability of quality-assured refurbished devices will further enable access to smart devices at affordable cost, allowing consumers in the lower socio-economic strata to diversify their livelihoods and boost income and digital inclusion in Bharat.

Enabling a green future 

India’s limited infrastructure capacity for large-scale e-waste management needs to be addressed urgently. Striving to enable a green future, the government owns between 25 to 50 percent of the project costs required for e-waste management facilities. This is a co-funded grant scheme to drive a green future and support e-Waste management. This, in turn, is building capacity for e-waste businesses.

By promoting responsible consumption, facilitating recycling programs, and supporting e-waste management initiatives, e-commerce platforms can pave the way for a sustainable future, where the lifecycle of electronic products is extended, and environmental impact is minimized. The hidden economic potential of Bharat lies in the tier-III+ regions. Deep telecom and internet penetration underpinned by the availability of affordable smart devices will boost rural growth, advancing the Indian economy as a whole.

About the Author

Ashutosh Chandel

Senior Director & Business Head Recommerce, Flipkart

Ashutosh has rich experience of 17+ years in mobile, consumer durables, and strategy consulting. Ashutosh has been with Flipkart for over two years and currently heads the ReCommerce Business Unit. Prior to his current role, he was leading the private brand portfolio at Flipkart. Through his collaboration with leading brands and manufacturers, he was instrumental in growing the Private Brands portfolio at Flipkart.

Before joining Flipkart, Ashutosh worked for Samsung Electronics where he managed multiple roles - Product, Marketing, Sales and Operations and played a key role in maintaining the leadership position of Samsung in the market.