Analysis of barriers hindering the implementation of reverse supply chain of electronic waste in India

Abstract

India is the fifth biggest producer of electronic waste (e-waste) across the globe but still 95% of the e-waste is handled by the unorganised sector in an unscientific way severely impacting the environment and health. There are many social, economic and environmental benefits linked with reverse supply chain (RSC) of e-waste. The study aims to identify and analyse the barriers hindering the effective implementation of RSC of e-waste in India based on a comprehensive literature review and interaction with the experts. Interpretive structural modelling methodology has been utilised to find out the mutual influences among the barriers. The analysis reveals: legal issues, lack of awareness, and lack of infrastructure as the major barriers to RSC of e-waste. The study provides very useful insights to facilitate policy decisions to promote e-waste recycling in India like implementing monitoring and control systems across the e-waste supply chain, need for a dedicated e-waste etc.