Researchers at IIT Madras have developed a pilot plant capable of segregating and recycling up to 100 tonnes of electronic waste each year.
With the growing use of computers, laptops and mobile phones, e-waste generation is rising steadily. Metals present in discarded electronics—such as copper, lead and tin—can cause serious environmental harm if not handled properly.
The facility has been designed to operate without causing environmental damage, according to the researchers. The pilot plant has been set up at BHEL in Tiruchirappalli.
At a time when India generates about 5 million metric tonnes of e-waste annually, the team said the plant can recover valuable metals while preventing contamination of soil, water and air. They added that the project uses a distinctive indigenous technology aimed at complete recycling of the waste stream.
