Circular economy potential of e-waste collectors, dismantlers, and recyclers of Maharashtra: a case study

• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08320-3
• Publication Date: 2020-04-14T13:02:37Z
• Authors: Anju Singh; Rohit Panchal; Mayuri Naik
• Keywords: Waste Management; 8. Economic growth; 11. Sustainability; 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering; India; Recycling; 02 engineering and technology; Environment; Electronic Waste; Refuse Disposal; 12. Responsible consumption

The paper investigates the potential of circular economy of authorized e-waste collectors, dismantlers, and recyclers of Maharashtra. The study determines the drivers and barriers associated with e-waste collection in the region. Furthermore, it explores the handling techniques including dismantling, recycling, and scrap disposal. This is done through a case study of a recycling company based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. A questionnaire-based survey is used to study e-waste processing units. The qualitative analysis of the questionnaire shows that lack of awareness of environmental impact is the greatest constraint in the collection of e-waste and data security is the most crucial driver for enhancing the collection of e-waste. The case study reveals that the quantity and type of e-waste are more important than the distance between the processing unit and the collection point. It discloses that the primary factor for building trust between e-waste collectors and waste holders is data security.