As we are stepping into 2026 soon, it is time to recognise and revise e-waste management methods. It has become utmost important to be aware of the E-Waste Recyclers around your locality. Why? We indians are in a rapid digital transformation. As a matter of fact, the entire world is! This means that the amount of e-waste generated is in million tonnes and massive. India is one of the top contributors, undoubtedly because of population density as well. Every month, new smartphones are launched. We are switching smartphones more frequently now. It’s a similar condition for other electronic gadgets as well.
So, today we are here to identify certified e-waste recyclers. So that everyone can adopt the best disposal practices compliant with government regulations.
Also read: Smart E-waste Disposal: Why Your Old Gadget Deserves a Greener Goodbye!
How E-Waste Is Harmful?
Old smartphones, laptops, chargers, batteries, and other gadgets make up the e-waste. They contain materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium. These are toxic to humans and any other living being if consumed. Unfortunately, they get dumped carelessly along with other wastes. They end up polluting the soil and water and indirectly harm human health.
Why E-Waste Recyclers Are Important?
1. Preventing Environmental Pollution
Improper e-waste disposal is common in informal sectors handling over 95 per cent of India’s e-waste. These pollutants contaminate groundwater, degrade farmland, and contribute to air pollution through open burning or acid leaching.
Certified recyclers use controlled processes to contain hazards. Mostly, they reduce the landfill burden and ecosystem harm.
2. Safeguarding Human Health
Exposure to e-waste toxins causes neurological damage, respiratory issues, reproductive problems, and increased cancer risks. Particularly informal workers (often women and children) and communities near dumping sites are at high risk. In India, informal recycling has led to elevated blood lead levels and other health crises. Formal recyclers ensure safe dismantling, minimising direct exposure and long-term risks.
Also read: How Proper E-Waste Recycling Can Help Combat Climate Change!
3. Recovering Valuable Resources and Promoting Circular Economy
E-waste is rich in precious metals like gold, silver, copper, and rare earth elements. Proper recycling recovers these, reducing the need for environmentally destructive mining. Globally, un-recycled e-waste represents billions in lost value. In India, it forfeits critical materials worth crores annually. Certified facilities use advanced techniques for effective recovery.
Today, we have new technologies like AI-based sorting. Certified recyclers play a key role in handling e-waste safely. Sending e-waste only to authorised facilities helps reduce health and environmental risks and also creates new economic opportunities. Responsible recycling is no longer optional. It is necessary for a cleaner, healthier, and greener future.
E-Waste Disposal Is a Legal Responsibility
Proper e-waste disposal isn’t just good for the environment. It’s also the law. Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) strictly monitor how e-waste is handled in India.
Also read: How Cashify Is Turning India’s E-Waste Management Into a Sustainability Movement?
What the New Rules Say (EPR Explained)
The rules focus on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This means companies that make electronic products must make sure a certain percentage of their products are recycled.
- 60% recycling target for FY 2024 to 25
- 70% recycling target for FY 2025 to 26
Individuals, offices, and other bulk users need to hand over their e-waste only to authorised e-waste recyclers or collection centers. Giving e-waste to informal scrap dealers can only make situation out of control and cause poor management.
What Are the Government Rules For E-Waste in India?
India follows the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 to control how electronic waste is handled. These rules are still in force in 2025. Here’s what they mean in simple terms:
- Only authorised recyclers are allowed: All e-waste recyclers and dismantlers must be registered with the CPCB. Also, they should be approved by State Pollution Control Boards. As of 2025, India has 322+ registered recyclers who can safely handle large amounts of e-waste every year.
- Giving e-waste to scrap dealers is illegal: You should not hand over old phones, laptops, or electronics to local scrap collectors. They usually dismantle devices unsafely, which causes pollution and health risks.
- Consumers also have responsibility: Individuals should dispose old or damaged devices safely through authorised recycling channels only. Businesses and institutions must keep records of their e-waste and use only registered recyclers.
- EPR portal ensures transparency: Manufacturers and recyclers report their e-waste activity on a government portal managed by CPCB. This helps track recycling and prevents illegal handling.
Also read: How Cashify Complies With E-Waste Management Rules
How To Identify Certified E-Waste Recyclers Near You?
1. Visit Official CPCB Resources:
- The primary source is the CPCB website (cpcb.nic.in). Navigate to the “E-Waste” section for the list of registered e-waste recyclers /dismantlers.
- Search by state or city to find nearby authorised facilities. Many state PCBs (e.g., Maharashtra PCB) also publish localised lists.
2. Use Producer Take-Back Programs:
- Many brands offer free collection through their EPR obligations. Check manufacturer websites or apps for drop-off points or pickups.
3. Leverage Authorised Collection Platforms:
- Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) facilitate collections and partner with certified recyclers. Cashify partners with authorised Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) like Karo Sambhav. So you can also contact Cashify for the same. You don’t need to search or research any further in this case.
- Explore apps and services that provide doorstep pickup. Just make sure, e-waste reaches government-authorised centers. As mentioned before, platforms like Cashify partner with CPCB-authorised PROs to offer hassle-free, doorstep collection across major cities.
- Users can schedule pickups easily. Later these devices are either refurbished for reuse or recycled responsibly. It aligns perfectly with EPR guidelines while often providing incentives.
4. Check Local Municipal or NGO Drives:
- Many cities organise e-waste collection camps. RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations) increasingly tie up with authorised entities for community drives.
5. Verify Certification:
- Ask for the e-waste recyclers with CPCB registration number and SPCB authorisation.
- Look for an e-waste disposal certificate post-drop-off.
Also read: How Cashify Complies With E-Waste Management Rules
Best Approaches for E-Waste Disposal In India
- Doorstep Collection: Ideal for convenience. Services tied to authorised PROs ensure compliance without you needing to transport heavy items.
- Drop-Off Points: Use designated bins at malls, electronic stores, or municipal centres. Make sure they are linked to certified recyclers.
- Sell or Exchange Functional Devices: The easiest approach! Extend device life through resale on trusted platforms, reducing e-waste generation.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Never mix e-waste with regular trash, sell to informal vendors, or burn devices. These violate rules and harm the environment.
Final Word
Yes, e-waste is increasing. But with proper management, and just following government regulations, one can solve so many problems. Digital tracking through the EPR portal have made compliance easier and more transparent as well.
So, take action today! With a fresh start of a new year, get rid of the e-waste clutter at home. Clear out your old gadgets responsibly. Look seamless, authorised services like those with doorstep options like Cashify. The process is simpler than ever just to do your part for a greener India. Start by checking official lists or scheduling a pickup through a reliable partner. Your small step has a big impact.
Also read: How You Can Help The Environment By Selling Your Old Phone On Cashify
If you’ve just bought a new phone and don’t know what to do with your old phone, then here’s your answer. Sell old mobile to Cashify and get the best price for it. If you are planning to buy a new phone, check out Cashify’s refurbished mobile phones. You can get your favourite phone at almost half price with six-month warranty, 15 days refund and free delivery.
