Authors : S. Laksha; Santhanalakshmi; Dr. Sivasakti Balan; R. J. Thayumanaswamy

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 10 - October

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/26ahbfw6

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26Oct434

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This study tracks the changes in e-waste management in Chennai, one of the major e-waste-generating metropolitan cities in India. This paper examines the evolution of e-waste management over the past decade (2016–2026) in Chennai and estimates the trend for the upcoming decade (2026–2036). There is a lack of Chennai-specific data, which limits precise assessment and highlights gaps in efficient management, creating space for informal-sector involvement and unregulated practices. Hence, this paper answers a few major questions: How have e-waste collection and management in Chennai changed over time? How effective is the present system? And how can e-waste be reused, recycled, and disposed of effectively in the upcoming decade? Chennai, being a major e-waste-generating metropolitan city in India, has been reported to generate substantially different quantities of e-waste depending on the study and methodology used. The city's major manufacturing corridors, OMR technology hub, and seaport logistics are among the factors contributing to e-waste generation in Chennai. Tamil Nadu is also among the leading e-waste-generating states in India, and Chennai contributes a dominant portion to it. Since there is a gap in Chennai-specific historical data, this paper compares the increasing e-waste generation trends at the state and national levels. Keeping in mind that Chennai is a key stakeholder in this sector, these trends are used as supporting indicators for understanding its likely trajectory. The paper therefore assesses whether ewaste generation is likely to increase during the upcoming decade. As the Chennai database is limited, the paper assesses national and state trends and integrates graphs representing the trends over the past decade. Later, with respect to these trends, an estimation model is used to show possible changes in the upcoming decade. It presents three possible situations: low, under controlled circumstances; base, continuation of the current trend with no major changes; and high, rapid growth in e-waste generation. A major concern is the continued role of the informal sector in e-waste collection and processing. Gaps in the formal sector, lack of awareness, limited accessibility to authorized facilities, economic incentives from selling e-waste, and inadequate monitoring of informal activities can weaken Chennai's e-waste management. Increasing dependence on informal sectors is therefore a major obstacle to effective e-waste management. Hence, this study suggests ways to upgrade the formal sector and integrate a monitoring system for informal collectors to reduce the environmental burden. A survey was conducted among 110 residents of Chennai to assess public awareness of e-waste management, the proportion of people using formal disposal channels, and possible reforms they expect.

Keywords : E-Waste Generation, E-Waste Management, Chennai, Trend, Past Decade, Upcoming Decade, Formal Sector, Informal Sector, Estimation Model, Reuse and Refurbishment, Public Awareness, Environmental Burden, Reforms.

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