Integrating Diverse Approaches of Informal Sector for Sustainable E-waste Management

Various forms of informal activities, particularly in developing countries, have long played an under-recognized but significant role in e-waste management. Although the informal sector plays a pivotal role in the collection, dismantling, recycling and resource recovery of precious resources, as a societal responsibility, the integration of the informal sector will ensure the formalization by providing them the health benefits, secured income and legalization of their work. This will help in uplifting their socio-economic status, thereby enhancing compliance with e-waste rules.The present case study is about an initiative or a campaign on awareness by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India with the name ‘Awareness Programme on Environmental Hazards of Electronic Waste’ under the ‘Digital India Initiative’. The campaign was built to enhance outreach and advocacy around the environmental and health hazards of improper disposal of e-waste in the country.Launched in 27 States and 3 Union Territories of India, with involvement of all stakeholders as a part of the system, the campaign was executed and made a huge success through various digitalized initiatives like developing an IEC framework, websites, mobile applications, conducting workshops, activities, training the trainers and campaigns across cinema halls, creating logos, mascots, posters, leaflets and banners, etc. The mass awareness program witnessed a huge success with coverage to more than 200 million viewers, conducting around 600 workshops, with participation of 300,000 stakeholders and 6,000 government officials.