The circular economy for used electrical and electronic equipment (used EEE) in India is experiencing transformational growth as an expanding domestic electronics manufacturing industry, rapid digitalization, and shorter electronics replacement cycles intersect with a stricter policy environment and the rise of value-driven business models.

The unregulated informal sector manages most of the used EEE generated in the country. It typically uses unscientific and inefficient methods, which lead to massive economic losses and environmental and health risks. However, used EEE is a valuable resource containing precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, aluminium, and critical minerals. The used EEE stream also contains potentially reusable products and components, emphasizing the massive potential for a second-life pathway.

The E-waste Management Rules 2022 and its amendments, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations, data protection compliance requirements (Digital Personal Data Protection Act), and the rise of corporate sustainability commitments are helping the market gradually transition from informal disposal to formal circular value chains. As the market formalizes and absorbs a growing share of the rising volumes of used EEE, organized material recovery-led recycling will continue to hold strategic and economic importance for the country. This is reflected in the inclusion of used EEE recycling facilities for subsidy support under India’s INR 1,500 crore Critical Minerals Mission. During the forecast period, the formal used EEE recycling market will grow rapidly as demand for secondary materials expands in the manufacturing and renewable energy industries. The growth of this market will also provide impetus to the growth of ancillary markets such as collection and transport, responsible disposal of non-recoverable and hazardous materials, and recycling machinery manufacturers.

Notably, many companies are now moving beyond compliance-based recycling alone, venturing into service-based and high-value-creating business models. Formal sector refurbishment and resale of reusable products is gaining momentum, with more than 100 refurbishing companies registered by the Central Pollution Control Board, some of which also capture significant economic value from the sale of refurbished electronic products directly to cost-conscious end users. Specialized service-based business models integrating Information Technology Asset Disposition (ITAD) services, including data destruction, are growing rapidly as compliance requirements and awareness of the need for secure data destruction grow among India’s increasingly digitalizing enterprises with frequent IT refresh cycles. These business models will generate substantial revenues through 2032, while reflecting a progressive movement of the formal circular economy market up the waste management hierarchy.

Overall, the circular economy for used EEE in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 31.9%, reaching close to $11.86 billion in 2032. The key market segments presented in the report include recycling, ITAD services, refurbishment and resale, collection and transport, responsible disposal of non-recoverable and hazardous materials from recycling, and recycling plant and machinery manufacturing. For each market segment, physical flow/volumetric estimates (as applicable) and revenue estimates are presented for the base year (2025), with yearly forecasts up to 2032 at the national level.

Author: Adyasha Mohanty