The global e-waste crisis is escalating at an alarming rate, with over 53 million metric tons of electronic waste generated annually. What seems like a distant, collective problem is, in reality, a personal one—our unused electronics gathering dust in forgotten drawers. A recent survey revealed that three in five people have at least one phone tucked away, destined to join the mounting pile of e-waste. In 2022 alone, 5.3 billion mobile phones were discarded worldwide. This is not just a statistic; it is a wake-up call. Each idle device represents an opportunity lost.
The environmental and economic impact is significant. Hoarding old electronics increases demand for new production, depleting resources and increasing emissions. Refurbishment offers a solution by extending device lifecycles and reducing environmental footprints. Take, for instance, the cost of a refurbished device—it can be up to 50 per cent less than a brand-new one. In India, where 350 million people still use feature phones, this presents a transformative opportunity. Refurbished smartphones not only lower costs but also provide millions with access to technology and opportunities.
To capitalise on this potential, India must shift its approach from consumption. The traditional linear economy—where products are manufactured, used, and discarded—is no longer sustainable. A circular economy, focused on reuse, refurbishment, and recycling, is the way forward. Selling old electronics to organised markets fuels this cycle, allowing devices to formally / responsibly re-enter the economy and reduce the growing e-waste crisis.
India’s unique position to lead
India is well-positioned to lead this transformation, with initiatives like ‘Mission LiFE’ and the ‘Right to Repair’ laying the groundwork. However, these efforts need expansion to fully realise their potential. To drive growth in the refurbishment industry, India must embrace the circular economy and invest in infrastructure—efficient logistics, collection networks, and refurbishment hubs. These centres could become innovation hubs, improving processes and setting global industry standards.
Policy reform: A crucial step
India can also draw inspiration from countries like France, which has mandated the use of refurbished devices in government offices. France has diverted over one million tons of e-waste and aims to refurbish 50 pc of its digital devices by 2025.
If India adopted a similar approach, the impact could be transformative. With over 40 million government employees, replacing outdated devices every three to five years would require millions of units annually. By opting for refurbished devices, the government could reduce e-waste and boost the sector, promoting public trust in such products. Mandating refurbished devices in government offices could set a sustainability benchmark and inspire private businesses and individuals to follow suit.
Global opportunities: Exporting refurbished devices
India’s potential extends beyond its borders. By establishing itself as a leader in the global refurbished electronics market, India could export high-quality, affordable devices to regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. This would reduce global e-waste while helping bridge the digital divide in areas where access to technology remains limited.
Job creation: An economic opportunity
India can make significant progress through policy reform by simplifying the import process for used electronics. The current customs system has the potential for improvement to speed up the refurbishment cycle. A single-window clearance would streamline imports and support sector growth. As the global demand for refurbishment and repair services rises, India stands to benefit from its large, skilled workforce and cost advantages. The growth of the electronics repair services outsourcing (ERSO) industry could generate up to five million jobs. A $1 billion investment could create 2,50,000 jobs, with opportunities expanding as the market grows. Refurbishment is both an environmental imperative and a significant economic opportunity for India. Programmes like Skill India will play a crucial role in upskilling millions, from technicians to engineers, preparing India’s workforce for the expanding refurbishment sector.
The path forward
The path to a sustainable future is clear. Policymakers must foster an enabling environment, businesses should innovate, and consumers must embrace sustainability. Every unused device is an opportunity to reduce waste, conserve resources, and expand access to technology.
This is not just about addressing the e-waste crisis—it is about shaping a future where economic growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. India, with its unique position, can lead the way. By adopting forward-thinking policies and driving innovation, India has the potential to become the world’s refurbishment capital, setting a global example for sustainable technology. The time to act is now—let’s build a cleaner, greener, and more connected future.
The author is the co-founder and CEO of Cashify. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.