Scaling E-Waste Solutions: India’s Path to Sustainable Electronics

As one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies, India’s expanding electronics sector brings both opportunities and challenges. With increasing smartphone and electronic device penetration, the country faces a growing e-waste crisis that demands urgent attention. Sustainable electronics management is no longer an option—it is a necessity for environmental protection, resource efficiency, and long-term digital growth.

In an exclusive interview with IGNITO, Corey Dehmey, CEO of SERI, sheds light on India’s path to electronic sustainability. He highlights the importance of repair and reuse ecosystems, global standards like R2 Certification, and strong policy enforcement to ensure responsible recycling and refurbishment. He also discusses how AI, automation, and international collaboration can help India scale its e-waste management efforts while maintaining its leadership in the global digital economy.

With a balanced approach that integrates sustainability with innovation, India has the potential to become a global leader in circular electronics, setting an example for responsible digital transformation.

IGNITO: Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. What are the biggest challenges in achieving true electronic sustainability? 

Dehmey: The biggest challenge in achieving true electronic sustainability is that the problem is growing at an unprecedented pace. Today, electronics are being integrated into almost every aspect of life—more devices are being produced, people are purchasing them at a higher rate, and product lifecycles are becoming shorter due to rapid technological advancements.

Addressing this issue simply by managing e-waste after it is created is not enough. If we continue to rely on a reactive approach, we will always be playing catch-up. Instead, we need to shift our focus toward preventing e-waste in the first place by designing products with sustainability in mind.

The root cause of e-waste lies in our linear consumption model, where electronics are produced, used, and then discarded. However, the global movement toward a Circular Economy presents a transformative solution. In a truly circular system, waste doesn’t exist by design—materials are continuously reused, repaired, and repurposed to extend their lifecycle.

India is making significant strides in embracing circularity at the highest levels, aligning with global sustainability goals. However, we must recognize that managing e-waste alone does not align with circular economy principles. The key is to rethink how we design, manufacture, and use electronics so that waste is minimized from the outset. By prioritizing durability, repairability, and responsible recycling, we can move toward a more sustainable future where electronics remain in circulation rather than becoming waste.

IGNITO: How do you see the role of manufacturers, consumers, and policymakers in promoting a circular economy for electronics?  

Dehmey: Building a true circular economy for electronics requires collaboration between manufacturers, consumers, and policymakers, as each plays a critical role in reshaping the lifecycle of electronic products.

Manufacturers must focus on designing products that last longer, are repairable, and can be easily recycled. This means prioritizing modular designs, sustainable materials, and standardized components that extend the usability of devices. Additionally, creating take-back programs and refurbishment initiatives can help keep products in circulation rather than becoming waste.

Consumers also play a vital role by making informed choices. Choosing repair over replacement, buying refurbished electronics, and responsibly recycling old devices can significantly reduce e-waste. However, consumers need the right incentives and awareness to make these choices easier.

Policymakers can drive systemic change by implementing regulations that promote extended producer responsibility (EPR), right-to-repair laws, and e-waste collection infrastructure. Policies that encourage tax benefits for sustainable electronics and penalties for wasteful practices can push industries toward circularity.

Ultimately, the shift to a circular economy begins with rethinking decisions at every stage—from product design and consumer habits to policy frameworks. The goal is simple: enable electronics to stay in use longer, reduce waste, and make sustainability the standard.

IGNITO: SERI has been a strong advocate for responsible electronics management. What initiatives is SERI currently working on to advance sustainability in the sector? 

Dehmey: At SERI, we are committed to advancing sustainability in electronics management by promoting best practices in refurbishment, recycling, and responsible e-waste handling.

One of our flagship initiatives is the R2 Certification, a globally recognized standard that ensures electronics recycling and refurbishment facilities follow strict environmental, worker safety, and data security protocols. Today, there are over 1,200 R2 Certified facilities across 43 countries, including 46 in India. This certification helps create a more transparent, accountable, and sustainable electronics industry.

Beyond R2, SERI is actively developing a new standard and verification program to measure the positive environmental and economic impact of reused electronics and materials recovered from e-waste. By quantifying these benefits, we can drive greater adoption of sustainable practices.

SERI also supports global e-waste regulators through the International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN), fostering collaboration among policymakers worldwide. Additionally, we have launched the Electronics Sustainability Summit (eSummit) in the U.S., bringing together industry leaders to discuss solutions for a circular electronics economy.

Through these initiatives, SERI is working to extend the life of electronics, reduce waste, and promote responsible recycling on a global scale.

IGNITO: What policies or global best practices should countries adopt to ensure efficient and sustainable e-waste management? 

Dehmey: Effective e-waste management requires a combination of government policies and industry-driven standards to create a sustainable and globally harmonized approach.

One of the most effective policies is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which ensures that manufacturers take accountability for the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal. This encourages eco-friendly product design, take-back programs, and responsible recycling. Additionally, strict hazardous waste regulations help prevent improper disposal of electronic waste, protecting both the environment and public health.

However, policies alone are not enough. Countries should also adopt globally recognized standards like R2 Certification, which ensures that e-waste recycling and refurbishment facilities meet the highest standards for environmental responsibility, worker safety, and data security. By combining strong regulations with internationally accepted certifications, governments can create a standardized yet flexible system that aligns with their unique needs while maintaining global best practices.

This public-private collaboration not only enhances accountability and efficiency but also accelerates sustainability efforts without overburdening public resources. By adopting a balanced approach, countries can reduce e-waste, promote responsible recycling, and move toward a circular economy for electronics.

IGNITO: Extending the lifespan of electronic devices is critical to reducing e-waste. What strategies can companies and consumers adopt to promote longer product life cycles? 

Dehmey: Reducing e-waste starts with rethinking how we use and replace electronics. Instead of following a pattern of rapid upgrades, companies and consumers should focus on extending product lifespans through smarter choices.

For businesses, this means reconsidering upgrade cycles. Why replace laptops every three years if they still work? Instead of automatic replacements, companies can adopt refurbishment and redeployment programs, ensuring devices are used to their full potential. Investing in modular, repairable designs can also make upgrades easier and more cost-effective.

For consumers, small changes can make a big impact. Many people discard their smartphones simply because the battery no longer holds a charge—yet replacing the battery is a much more sustainable and affordable option. Choosing repair over replacement, upgrading components instead of buying new devices, and purchasing refurbished or certified pre-owned electronics can significantly reduce e-waste.

Manufacturers also play a role by designing longer-lasting, repairable, and upgradeable products. With right-to-repair policies and extended software support, devices can stay functional for many more years.

By making conscious decisions at every stage, we can shift toward a more sustainable, circular economy, where electronics are used efficiently rather than discarded prematurely.

IGNITO: The Right to Repair movement is gaining momentum worldwide. What impact do you think it will have on electronic sustainability, and what challenges do we face in its implementation?

Dehmey: The Right to Repair movement has the potential to make a significant impact on electronic sustainability by allowing consumers and businesses to extend the lifespan of their devices. By making repairs more accessible, we can reduce e-waste, conserve valuable resources, and lower the environmental footprint of electronics. When people have the ability to replace parts like batteries, screens, or circuit boards, they can keep their devices functional for longer, reducing the need for constant replacements.

However, implementing Right to Repair comes with challenges. One of the biggest concerns is safety. Not all repairs are straightforward, and improper repairs—especially on lithium-ion batteries—can lead to fire hazards or device malfunctions. If unqualified individuals or businesses attempt repairs without the right tools or training, it could create more harm than good.

To ensure safe and effective repairs, we need a strong repair ecosystem with certified technicians, standardized repair guidelines, and access to genuine parts and manuals. Manufacturers, policymakers, and repair professionals must work together to create a balance between accessibility and safety, ensuring that repairs extend product lifespans without compromising performance or consumer protection.

IGNITO: How can manufacturers balance innovation and sustainability, ensuring that new technologies do not contribute excessively to electronic waste?

Dehmey: To balance innovation and sustainability, manufacturers need to shift their focus from just creating new devices to ensuring longer product lifecycles. Instead of designing electronics with planned obsolescence, companies should prioritize durability, repairability, and upgradeability.

One way to achieve this is through modular hardware design, where components like processors, memory, and batteries can be easily replaced or upgraded by users. This not only extends a device’s lifespan but also reduces the need for full replacements. Additionally, making electronics interoperable—such as standardizing USB-C charging—helps create a more sustainable and user-friendly ecosystem.

Beyond hardware, manufacturers must invest in comprehensive product support systems. This includes regular software updates, accessible repair programs, and responsible materials recovery. A device’s lifecycle doesn’t end when it stops working—it continues through proper refurbishment, component reuse, and recycling.

Sustainability goes beyond simply collecting e-waste; it’s about designing an ecosystem that supports long-term usability. By integrating innovation with responsible product stewardship, manufacturers can drive the industry toward a circular economy, reducing electronic waste while continuing to advance technology.

IGNITO: Data security is a major concern when recycling or refurbishing electronics. What are the best practices to prevent data breaches in the e-waste sector?

Dehmey: Data security is one of the biggest risks in electronics recycling and refurbishment, and improper handling can lead to serious data breaches. While many companies claim to erase data, how can consumers and businesses be sure it’s done properly? The best way to ensure secure data destruction is by working with R2 Certified facilities, which follow globally recognized best practices.

R2 Certified recyclers and refurbishers are trained and verified to use industry-leading data sanitization techniques, ensuring that all sensitive information is either securely erased or physically destroyed. These facilities follow strict chain-of-custody procedures, meaning devices are tracked throughout the process to prevent unauthorized access.

Some of the most effective data security practices include:

• Certified data wiping using internationally recognized methods
• Physical destruction of storage devices when reuse is not an option
• End-to-end tracking of devices to prevent data leaks
• Compliance with data protection laws, ensuring legal and ethical disposal

Choosing an R2 Certified vendor gives businesses and individuals confidence that their data is securely handled, while also promoting responsible electronics reuse and recycling.

IGNITO: How can businesses and consumers be better educated about the risks of improper electronic disposal and the importance of secure data erasure?

Dehmey: Education is key to ensuring responsible electronic disposal and secure data erasure. Many businesses and consumers are unaware of the risks associated with improper e-waste handling, including data breaches, environmental harm, and regulatory non-compliance. SERI actively works to bridge this knowledge gap by providing training materials, videos, and informational resources on electronics sustainability, IT asset disposition (ITAD), and data security through the website: https://sustainableelectronics.org

To understand the ITAD process and data sanitization, one can explore this informative video: https://sustainableelectronics.org/wp-content/uploads/Journey-to-Sustainable-ITAD-SQ.mp4

For a clear explanation of logical data sanitization and data wiping, visit: https://www.youtube.com/embed/LYjD_Gf3um4?&autoplay=1&rel=0

Understanding physical data destruction methods like shredding and degaussing is crucial for businesses handling sensitive data. Watch the process at: https://www.youtube.com/embed/NrXyzu17l3Q?&autoplay=1&rel=0

Additional training resources are available at:

Understanding the Real Impact of Your Decisions (https://sustainableelectronics.org/understanding-the-real-impact-of-your-decisions/)

SERI’s Video Library (https://sustainableelectronics.org/education-training/#insidee)

By leveraging these educational tools, businesses and consumers can make informed decisions about secure data erasure and responsible e-waste recycling, ensuring data protection and environmental sustainability.

IGNITO: Do you see a gap in global standards when it comes to data security in electronic refurbishment and recycling? How can SERI help bridge this gap?

Dehmey: Yes, there is a significant gap in global standards for data security in electronic refurbishment and recycling. While regulations like GDPR (Europe), CCPA (California, USA), and others focus on data privacy and protection, they do not specifically address data remanence—the risk of residual data remaining on devices even after deletion. Many countries lack comprehensive, enforceable guidelines, leading to inconsistent data sanitization practices and a higher risk of data breaches.

The R2 Standard plays a crucial role in closing this gap. By strengthening data destruction protocols and aligning with global cybersecurity frameworks, R2 ensures that secure data erasure becomes a priority in refurbishment and recycling. Additionally, third-party audits verify compliance, reinforcing data security best practices worldwide.

SERI is also advocating for:

• Government partnerships to integrate secure refurbishment policies into national e-waste regulations.
• OEM collaborations to design data-wipe-friendly devices that guarantee complete erasure before resale or recycling.
• Data security labeling for refurbished electronics, ensuring consumer trust.
• Education & training for recyclers and refurbishers on secure data erasure techniques.

Through these initiatives, SERI is working to harmonize global data security standards, ensuring safer, more responsible refurbishment and recycling practices across the electronics industry.

IGNITO: SERI’s R2 Certification has set industry benchmarks for responsible recycling. How do you see standards like R2 evolving to address new sustainability challenges?

Dehmey: The R2 Certification has played a transformative role in shaping responsible electronics recycling and refurbishment, but its impact goes far beyond recycling alone. R2 was the first global standard to enforce a circular hierarchy, prioritizing reuse before recycling and prohibiting disposal in landfills and incineration.

Today, the role of IT asset disposition (ITAD) providers has grown significantly—approximately 75% of all R2 Certified facilities specialize in refurbishing and reselling used electronics, extending product lifespans and reducing e-waste. As sustainability challenges evolve, R2 is also evolving to address new product categories beyond traditional electronics.

One of the most significant advancements is the inclusion of solar panels in the R2 Standard, creating an ecosystem for responsible solar panel reuse and recycling. With the rapid expansion of renewable energy technologies, ensuring that end-of-life solar panels are properly managed is critical to maintaining sustainability in the clean energy sector.

Looking ahead, R2 is considering new categories such as EV batteries and smart appliances, recognizing that electronics are now integrated into almost everything—from household devices to large-scale energy storage solutions. By expanding its scope, R2 continues to set global benchmarks for sustainability, supporting the transition to a circular economy for all electronic and electrical products.

IGNITO: What are the key hurdles in ensuring global compliance with recycling and refurbishment standards, and how can they be addressed?

Dehmey: Ensuring global compliance with recycling and refurbishment standards comes with several challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is commitment to enforcement and oversight. Many standards exist worldwide, but without dedicated organizations invested in their long-term success, they often lack proper implementation and accountability.

This is where SERI’s role in managing the R2 Certification is crucial. R2 is not just a set of guidelines—it is an active tool used to drive the global mission of sustainable electronics use, reuse, and recycling. Unlike many standards that exist on paper, R2 is continuously evolving, supported by SERI’s global oversight.

Key ways SERI ensures global compliance include:

• Oversight & Governance – SERI directly manages the R2 certification program worldwide, ensuring uniformity and accountability.
• Training & Capacity Building – SERI invests in training recyclers, refurbishers, and auditors to properly implement and assess compliance with the standard.
• Continuous Improvement – Through a unique assurance program, SERI promotes ongoing enhancements in certified facilities, driving higher industry standards over time.

By maintaining strong governance, education, and continuous monitoring, SERI ensures that R2 remains a globally trusted standard, supporting the circular economy and responsible e-waste management worldwide.

IGNITO: How do you view the role of AI and automation in improving efficiency and compliance in the recycling and refurbishment industry?

Dehmey: While still in its early stages, AI and automation are already beginning to transform the recycling and refurbishment industry by improving efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. These technologies have the potential to streamline operations, enhance data-driven decision-making, and ensure better adherence to global standards.

One key area where AI is making an impact is in material identification and sorting. Advanced machine learning systems can quickly recognize and categorize different types of electronic waste as they move through a facility. Over time, these systems continuously learn and refine their processes, leading to greater efficiency in dismantling, refurbishment, and recycling.

Additionally, AI-powered auditing tools are being introduced to improve compliance monitoring. These systems can perform faster assessments, detect anomalies, and target high-risk areas, allowing auditors to focus on critical compliance issues. This results in quicker, more accurate evaluations and ensures that recycling and refurbishment facilities meet evolving regulatory requirements.

As AI and automation continue to advance, they will play an increasingly vital role in scaling circular economy initiatives, reducing human error, and maximizing resource recovery—making electronics recycling and refurbishment more sustainable, efficient, and globally compliant.

IGNITO: India is one of the largest consumers of electronics, yet e-waste management remains a challenge. What steps should India take to develop a robust and sustainable electronics recycling ecosystem?

Dehmey: To build a sustainable e-waste management ecosystem, India must focus on extending the life of electronics, improving recycling infrastructure, and enforcing responsible disposal practices. This requires a multi-pronged approach involving repair and reuse, industry standards, and accountability for bulk consumers.

Promote Repair and Reuse: Extending the lifespan of electronic devices is the most effective way to reduce e-waste. India should develop repair and refurbishment ecosystems, making it easier for people to fix and reuse their electronics rather than discard them. This also supports digital inclusion, ensuring affordable access to technology for all.

Implement Quality Standards for Reuse and Recycling: Standardizing recycling and refurbishment processes is critical for sustainable e-waste management. By adopting globally recognized certifications like R2 Certification, India can ensure that recycling facilities follow best practices for environmental safety, data security, and responsible material recovery.

Enforce Bulk Consumer Responsibility: Large organizations, government agencies, and corporations generate massive amounts of e-waste. India should enforce E-Waste Management Rules 2022 and require bulk consumers to partner with licensed and R2 Certified recycling vendors to ensure proper disposal and resource recovery.

By focusing on reuse, standardization, and accountability, India can reduce e-waste, promote responsible recycling, and transition toward a circular electronics economy.

IGNITO: With increasing smartphone and electronics penetration in India, how can refurbishment and responsible recycling be scaled to meet future demand?

Dehmey: Scaling refurbishment and responsible recycling in India requires a structured, accountable, and standardized approach to ensure quality, efficiency, and sustainability. R2 Certification provides a strong foundation to achieve this at scale by ensuring that facilities follow best practices in reuse, recycling, and data security.

Enforce Bulk Consumer Responsibility: Large organizations and government entities generate massive amounts of e-waste. They should be mandated to work with R2 Certified recyclers and refurbishers, ensuring that discarded electronics are either responsibly reused, repaired, or recycled. This will create fair competition among facilities that adhere to ethical and environmentally responsible practices.

Strengthen Compliance and Auditing: To maintain high-quality refurbishment and recycling standards, R2 Certified vendors must be regularly audited. Continuous monitoring ensures consistency, transparency, and adherence to environmental and data security standards. This will build consumer and industry trust, making refurbishment a preferred option over new purchases.

Expand Infrastructure & Awareness: Scaling responsible recycling requires investments in collection centers, repair hubs, and consumer education. Public awareness about refurbished devices, their benefits, and proper e-waste disposal will help drive demand for certified, high-quality refurbished electronics.

By enforcing accountability, improving quality standards, and expanding infrastructure, India can successfully scale refurbishment and responsible recycling, reducing e-waste while supporting a circular electronics economy.

IGNITO: Do you see opportunities for international collaboration between organizations like SERI and Indian stakeholders to improve e-waste management and sustainability practices?

Dehmey: Absolutely. International collaboration is essential to improving e-waste management and sustainability practices in India. With the rapid growth of electronics consumption and e-waste generation, India has a unique opportunity to adopt global best practices while tailoring solutions to its local needs. Organizations like SERI can play a vital role in partnering with Indian stakeholders to drive awareness, education, and policy alignment.

Enhancing Awareness & Education: One of the biggest challenges in e-waste management is public and corporate awareness. SERI can collaborate with government agencies, businesses, and industry groups to promote training programs, workshops, and certifications like R2. This will help stakeholders understand responsible recycling, secure data erasure, and circular economy principles.

Establishing Global Standards in India: Aligning with internationally recognized standards like R2 Certification ensures that Indian recyclers and refurbishers meet high environmental, safety, and data security benchmarks. This helps build consumer trust in refurbished electronics while enabling Indian facilities to compete on a global scale.

Policy & Industry Collaboration: By working with Indian policymakers, electronics manufacturers, and ITAD providers, SERI can help develop robust e-waste regulations that promote reuse, responsible recycling, and accountability for bulk consumers.

Through knowledge sharing, training, and regulatory alignment, international partnerships can accelerate India’s transition to a sustainable electronics ecosystem while strengthening global e-waste management efforts.

IGNITO: How can India balance rapid digital growth with the need for strong electronic sustainability policies?

Dehmey: India’s rapid digital expansion is essential for economic progress, but it must be accompanied by strong electronic sustainability policies to prevent long-term environmental damage. A balanced approach that integrates responsible e-waste management, sustainable product design, and consumer empowerment is key to achieving this.

Strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Manufacturers should be mandated to take back end-of-life electronics and recycle them responsibly. EPR enforcement can ensure that electronic waste is processed in authorized recycling facilities rather than entering the informal sector, where unsafe methods lead to environmental pollution and health hazards.

Investing in Formal E-Waste Recycling Infrastructure: India needs advanced e-waste processing facilities equipped with efficient material recovery systems. Strict monitoring and enforcement mechanisms should be in place to prevent illegal dumping and unregulated recycling practices, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Encouraging Sustainable Product Design & Circular Economy Practices: OEMs should be incentivized to design products using sustainable materials and modular components, making them easier to repair, upgrade, and recycle. Promoting shared access to digital devices (e.g., leasing models) rather than single-use ownership can also reduce e-waste generation.

Harmonizing with Global Standards & Consumer Awareness: Aligning with international sustainability frameworks like R2 Certification and educating consumers and businesses on responsible e-waste disposal and repairability can drive long-term change.

By implementing these measures, India can sustain its digital revolution while building a future-ready, environmentally responsible electronics ecosystem.