Reverse supply chains that characterize reuse and recycling remains the primary focus of large businesses in a globalized economy. This article critically examines the environmental and social benefits of reuse that would result through systematic interventions in the existing WEEE trade chain in India. There exists an increasing body of scientific evidence documenting the deleterious effects of informal recycling in India.

The new e-waste rules notified by the government are an important step forward. However, loopholes which allow producers to evade their responsibility and the informal sector to evade environmental and health controls need to be addressed. It is also important to create mass awareness and make it easier for the consumer to dispose e-waste. Policy should encourage cooperation rather than competition between those responsible for disposing e-waste.

Dealing with e-waste must remain the primary responsibility of manufacturers of electronic goods. (Editorial)

Legislation that came into effect in India this month aims to deal with the environmental effects of electronic waste in the country. According to a government report, this waste stream has increased by a factor of more than five in seven years and is expected to exceed 800,000 tonnes in 2012. (Correspondence)

The laws are ineffectual, the facilities are inadequate and hazardous wastes continue to pile up. (Editorial)

This article reviews the progress of electronic waste recycling around the world and emphasises the need to give more economic importance to this sector in the developing nations. Two cases are considered for determining a model of recycling under the present constraints. These alternative models can provide a basic foundation for laying out the respective roles of producers and consumers for economic recycling of this waste.