Ahmedabad’s E-Waste Problem Grows: Only 16,500 Kg Collected Against 25,000-30,000 Tonnes Generated Annually

Ahmedabad’s growing appetite for new electronic gadgets is creating a mounting waste problem, with the city generating an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 tonnes of e-waste every year. Yet, only around 16,500 kg was collected through the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) during the last year.

The figures point to a significant gap in the city’s e-waste management, as a large quantity of discarded electronic items continues to enter regular garbage streams and scrap markets instead of authorised recycling channels.

1,752 Calls Made For E-Waste Collection

The AMC’s Solid Waste Management Department received 1,752 calls from citizens seeking collection of unwanted electronic items over the past year.

Based on these requests, the civic body collected more than 16,500 kg of e-waste, including discarded phones, laptops, tablets and household appliances.

However, the collection represents only a fraction of the waste generated across the city. With annual e-waste generation estimated at 25,000-30,000 tonnes, the amount collected through the AMC initiative was well below 0.1 per cent of the estimated total.

Old Gadgets Often End Up In Garbage

The rising use of electronic devices has also increased the number of gadgets being discarded. Mobile phones, laptops, televisions, mixer grinders and other appliances often remain unused in homes before eventually being thrown away or sold as scrap.

The improper disposal of such equipment can create environmental risks. Electronic devices may contain substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium, which can enter the environment when the waste is not handled or recycled properly.

These hazardous substances can contaminate soil and water and may pose health risks, particularly with prolonged exposure.

Gold, Silver And Copper Can Be Recovered

Discarded electronics are not only a waste concern but also contain materials that can be recovered and reused.

According to an earlier AMC study, one tonne of discarded mobile phones could potentially contain up to 254 grams of gold, 133 grams of palladium, 2.7 kg of silver and 131 kg of copper.

This makes organised e-waste recycling important not only for reducing pollution but also for recovering valuable resources from obsolete devices.

IT Parks, Offices And Homes Among Major Sources

A considerable amount of e-waste is generated from commercial and residential locations across Ahmedabad.

Commercial and IT hubs: S.G. Highway, Prahladnagar and Ashram Road contribute computers, laptops, routers and other electronic equipment.

Offices and institutions: Banks, schools, colleges, corporate offices and government establishments are major bulk generators of discarded electronics.

Residential areas: Households contribute old mobile phones, televisions and a range of electrical and electronic appliances.

What Did AMC Collect?

The e-waste collected by the civic body included:

In addition, more than 9,800 kg of mixed e-waste was collected, including items such as vacuum cleaners, ovens, mixer grinders and other household appliances.

The collection figures suggest that while awareness about responsible e-waste disposal is gradually increasing, the vast majority of Ahmedabad’s electronic waste still remains outside formal collection systems.