The Indian edition of International Exchange Initiative on Regulating E-waste and Engaging Tech Companies – Creating a Circular Economy for Electricals and Electronics commenced today in New Delhi.

Organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with support from the Presidential Agency for International Cooperation of Colombia (APC Colombia), and in collaboration with India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the five-day India Study Tour (from 9 to 13 February 2026) forms part of a global initiative aimed at strengthening e-waste governance and accelerating the transition towards a circular economy across participating countries.

India as a hub for global knowledge exchange

As one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies, India is uniquely positioned at the intersection of innovation, sustainability and regulation. With nearly one billion internet users and globally benchmarked digital public infrastructure—such as UPI processing over 12 billion monthly transactions—E waste has emerged as a critical policy and implementation challenge.

The India Study Tour provides a platform for peer learning, exchange of best practices and practical insights into sustainable e-waste management. Delegations from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, India, Malaysia, Nigeria and South Africa are participating, alongside Indian policymakers, regulators, industry representatives and recycling practitioners.

Approximately 40 participants are attending the inaugural session.

Focus on regulation, circularity and skills

The three-day technical workshop (9–11 February 2026) in New Delhi is structured around three interconnected themes:

• Regulatory frameworks and governance, with emphasis on extended producer responsibility (EPR), digital compliance systems and data-driven monitoring
• Circular economy approaches in the electronics and telecommunications sectors, including coordination among producers, recyclers and operators, and integration of the informal sector
• Standardisation and skill development, focusing on international standards, workforce capacity-building, innovation and recycling technologies

The programme combines expert presentations, country case studies, panel discussions and group work to ensure practical relevance.

 

Mr. Rudra Narayan Palai, Member (Technology), Digital Communications Commission and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India, highlighted India’s potential to emerge as a global leader in e-waste recycling and circular economy practices, noting that responsible e-waste management can generate green jobs, enable the recovery of critical materials, reduce import dependence and strengthen supply chain resilience. He emphasised that integrating circular economy principles across the entire lifecycle of electronic and telecom equipment is central to India’s vision for building sustainable digital infrastructure.

Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, Dr. Victor Hugo Echeverri Jaramillo, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to India, described the study tour as more than a technical programme, characterising it as a platform for trust-building, peer learning and long-term collaboration. He noted that the initiative reinforces the understanding that sustainable development cannot be achieved in isolation, but requires partnerships across borders, sectors and institutions.

 

Echoing this perspective, Mr. Shubhendu Tiwari, Advisor (Technology), Department of Telecommunications, underscored the need for strong regulatory frameworks to be supported by industry innovation, responsible business practices and sustained investment in modern recycling infrastructure. He stressed that effective partnerships between government and industry are essential to deliver solutions that are both scalable and sustainable.

Practical exposure to recycling operations

On 12 February 2026, participants will undertake a site visit to Greenscape Eco Management Pvt. Ltd. in Alwar, Rajasthan, an operational e-waste recycling facility. The visit will provide first-hand exposure to the on-ground implementation of regulatory requirements and environmentally sound recycling practices.

A visit to the ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre at the C-DOT Campus in New Delhi on 13 February 2026 will conclude the study tour.

Addressing a growing global challenge

Globally, 62 million tonnes of e-waste are generated annually, yet only 22.3 per cent is formally collected and recycled. Countries with e-waste legislation demonstrate significantly higher collection rates, underlining the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and effective implementation mechanisms. Of the 81 countries with e-waste policies, 67 include extended producer responsibility (EPR) - an environmental policy principle making producers accountable for the end-of-life of the products they sell. The e-waste generation rate is currently surpassing the formal recycling rate, highlighting the need for better national policies and knowledge sharing globally to avoid disparate approaches.

Through this international exchange, ITU aims to support participating countries in developing viable and context-appropriate e-waste systems, while recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Continuing engagement beyond the study tour

Key learnings and insights from the India Study Tour will be shared with a wider audience through a post-tour webinar scheduled for 17 March 2026, further extending the reach and impact of the initiative.

The India Study Tour follows the successful conclusion of the first exchange in Colombia in October 2025 and precedes the final study tour scheduled to be held in South Africa in April 2026.

 

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