Chennai: Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras) is in the process of developing an innovative model to handle electronic waste (e-waste) by connecting the formal and informal economy stakeholders.
Called ‘e-Source,’ it will be an exchange platform that will serve as an online marketplace for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and facilitate a formal supply chain between buyers and sellers, an IIT-Madras release was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.
The release said, “This initiative can become a critical resource by enabling reverse logistics supply chains and help recycle 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste world generates annually, and is potentially a $50 billion market.”
Also, further studies say that e-waste is likely to double globally in the next 16 years and an estimated 85 per cent of this is being lost globally.
The focus of the IIT-Madras researchers was on “circular economy”, and are looking to plug the gaps in the e-waste sector, which can potentially open doors to a $50 billion economy.
IGCS faculty member Prof Sudhir Chella Rajan highlighted the necessity of the ‘e-Source’ initiative. “E-wastes are typically either completely stripped down for precious metals and other high-value materials or dumped in landfills by waste handlers, without exploring potential re-use and repurposing options. Unscientific recycling methods are harmful for waste handlers and the environment,” Professor Rajan was quoted as saying by the agency.
Professor Rajan, also a faculty in the IIT-Madras’ Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, said, “e-Source is a unique open-source platform that will evolve towards using machine learning for better traceability of e-waste in compliance with guidelines and help increase the opportunities for repair and re-use of e-waste. This will potentially improve livelihoods for youth and women in periurban settings by upgrading their skills and improving occupational health and safety, reduce the flow of toxic materials in waste streams and broaden the market for affordable, second-hand e-devices.”
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