Hyderabad: For the first time, Telangana’s electronic waste has crossed the 1 lakh metric tonne (MT) mark, positioning the state as the third-largest contributor in the country, after Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.Interestingly, Telangana ranked second in terms of e-waste processing growth, behind only Uttar Pradesh. According to the data shared in Lok Sabha by the ministry of environment, forest and climate, the state witnessed an increase of 53,961 MT of e-waste processing in 2024-25, up from 65,226 MT in 2023-24 to 1,19,187 MT. Of the nation’s total e-waste processing capacity of 13.97 MT, Telangana accounts for 8.5%.Since 2021-22, the state recorded a threefold increase in e-waste processing, from 42,297 MT in 2021-22 to 1.19 lakh MT during the previous fiscal year. This progress is particularly notable given that Telangana operates with just 19 recycling centres, compared to states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, which have nearly three times as many facilities. The majority of Telangana’s e-waste recycling centres are in Greater Hyderabad.According to Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) officials, this significant increase in e-waste processing is largely due to the active participation of IT firms in e-waste management. Rising e-waste was also attributed to the manufacturing sector, with several mobile manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, and original design manufacturers setting up shop in the state.“Following the implementation of Telangana’s e-waste policy, the state has seen significant success in e-waste processing. The initiative attracted many investors keen on establishing recycling facilities. Recently, we granted approval for three additional recycling plants, supplementing the current network of 19 operational facilities,” said a senior environment engineer in TGPCB.The environment ministry said that an online E-Waste EPR portal has been developed by CPCB, wherein entities such as producers, manufacturers, recyclers, and refurbishers of e-waste are required to register.To increase consumer participation in e-waste management, the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, mandate registered producers and recyclers to raise awareness. Consumers are regularly made aware of proper ways of e-waste disposal and are encouraged to hand over e-waste only to registered producers, refurbishers, or recyclers.
