GEF grants $15 million to India to tackle e-Waste

New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s efforts toward sustainable development, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved $15 million, aimed at transforming the country’s electronics sector through environmentally sound e-waste management and circular economy practices.

The initiative, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, will mobilize an additional $105 million in co-financing from the Government of India and key industry stakeholdersbringing the total investment to $120 million.

As India’s electronics market continues its rapid growth, the project comes at a critical time to address the surging volume of electronic waste—one of the country’s fastest growing waste streams.

The initiative will focus on strengthening institutional mechanisms, enforcing e-waste regulations, and fostering innovation in eco-design and circular business models among manufacturers.

Key components of the project include piloting safe recycling and battery management systems, improving infrastructure for material recovery, and promoting sustainable practices throughout the electronics value chain.

UNDP officials noted that the project is aligned with global climate and sustainability goals, and will help reduce the environmental and health hazards associated with improper e-waste disposal.

By focusing on systemic reforms and industry collaboration, the initiative aims to position India as a leader in circular economy transitions in the electronics sector.

“The project comes at an important time when the Indian electronics sector is seeing rapid growth and development. The initiative will help us to drive innovation in eco-design, recycling and circular business models by working closely with industry partners and stakeholders,” said S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY.

“By promoting circularity, we will improve self-reliance in supply chain of secondary raw materials, create new opportunities, strengthen livelihoods, and safeguard health and the environment,” Krishnan added.

India is the world’s third-largest generator of e-waste. And more than 80 per cent is still processed in the informal sector using unsafe methods that release toxic chemicals into the environment. Formal recycling remains limited, exposing workers and communities to serious health risks.

“We are working with government and industry partners to ensure resources are used efficiently, workers are protected, and the sector grows sustainably. Together, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity for a safer, more sustainable future in alignment with India’s circular economy vision,” said Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative in India.