Policy and Challenges: A Sociological Study of Sustainable E-Waste Management.

Abhilasha Dohare; Manish K. Verma

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.61874

Policy and Challenges: A Sociological Study of Sustainable E-Waste Management.

Author(s)	Ms. Abhilasha Dohare, Prof. Manish K. Verma
Country	India
Abstract	The unprecedented rise in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) has led to a significant increase in worldwide electronic trash (e-waste), posing major environmental, health, and regulatory concerns. This study does a sociological analysis of e-waste management to look at how policy frameworks, institutional capacity, informal-sector dynamics, and cultural factors influence sustainability outcomes. The study aims to accomplish three things: first, to examine and evaluate the practical effectiveness of e-waste policy frameworks in India and around the world, particularly Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)-type regulations; second, to look at the social, economic, and institutional challenges that arise from the prevalence of informal-sector actors, governance gaps, and consumption and disposal patterns; and third, to study the intersection of e-waste governance with issues of social justice, and environmental health risks. The analysis is largely based on secondary data and literature evaluation, with sources including global e-waste databases (for example, the Global E-waste Monitor), international treaties, and sociological research on informal labour systems. The research indicates that, regardless of the advancement of legislative frameworks such as India's E-Waste Management Rules (2011, 2016, 2022), the practical application of these regulations is prevented by several factors. These include insufficient enforcement capabilities, a lack of cohesive institutional structures, the marginalisation of informal labourers, and enduring disparities in the distribution of environmental and occupational risks. The study suggests that inclusive, sociologically informed policy design is required for sustainable e-waste governance, with an emphasis on institutional strengthening, behavioural interventions, labour and health safeguards. This integrated approach is critical for closing the gap between regulatory purpose and on-the-ground practice, especially in fast-growing economies like India.
Keywords	Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), Hazardous waste, Environmental health risks, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Toxic exposure, Sustainability.
Field	Sociology
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On	2025-11-27
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.61874
Short DOI	https://doi.org/hbdsrm

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Policy and Challenges: A Sociological Study of Sustainable E-Waste Management.

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