A Bold Step Toward Greener Cities
Delhi is set to redefine urban sustainability with the construction of India’s first dedicated e-waste eco-park at Holambi Kalan. This pioneering project marks the capital’s emergence as a national e-waste recycling hub. Spanning 11.4 acres, the facility will be built under a 15-year public–private partnership (PPP), backed by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC).
The E-Waste Eco-Park Vision
E-waste—discarded electronic appliances like phones, computers, and televisions—has become a mounting global crisis. India is the world’s third-largest generator, producing over 1.6 million tonnes annually. Delhi alone contributes nearly 9.5% to this national burden. However, most of it is handled by informal recyclers, leading to environmental degradation and serious health risks.
The eco-park aims to change that. With a capacity to process up to 51,000 tonnes of e-waste per year, it will cover all 106 categories defined in the E-Waste Management Rules 2022. The facility will include dedicated zones for dismantling, refurbishing, component testing, plastic recovery, and a market for second-hand electronics.
India’s First: Why It Matters
Yes, this is the first such initiative in India—making it a historic moment in the country’s environmental policy. Though some private recycling facilities exist, Delhi’s eco-park will be the first government-supported, large-scale integrated center, combining waste processing with public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
The Rs 500 crore project will be implemented under a DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) model. Out of the total investment, Rs 150 crore will go toward infrastructure and Rs 350 crore toward operations. It is expected to manage at least 25% of Delhi’s e-waste within five years, becoming a revenue-generating model with an estimated Rs 350 crore in returns.
Global Inspirations: Who’s Doing It Right?
Globally, several countries have established e-waste recycling ecosystems that Delhi’s project mirrors.
· Sweden and Germany have robust formal collection and recycling systems backed by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws.
· South Korea runs advanced urban recycling centers that recover rare earth elements and reduce landfill usage.
· Japan leads in high-efficiency e-waste disassembly and material recovery, particularly during the Tokyo Olympics, where recycled metals were used to create medals.
Delhi’s eco-park draws from these best practices, aiming to integrate advanced technologies with strong regulatory oversight.
A Model for a Sustainable Future
The e-waste eco-park at Holambi Kalan is more than a recycling center—it’s a blueprint for India’s transition toward a circular economy. It addresses three critical challenges: unregulated recycling, pollution, and resource loss.
By formalising e-waste management, Delhi is not only reducing environmental hazards but also recovering valuable materials like copper, lithium, and rare earth metals—contributing to resource conservation and reduced import dependence.
If successful, this model could be replicated across other Indian states, creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.
(With agency inputs)