Key facts
- IIT Madras researchers have developed an indigenous pilot plant.
- The pilot plant is designed to process 100 tonnes of e-waste per year.
- The plant uses a zero-discharge, single-acid process.
- The process recovers metals from printed circuit boards (PCBs).
- The development addresses India's growing e-waste challenge.
IIT Madras has announced the development of an indigenous pilot plant engineered to process 100 tonnes of electronic waste per year. This significant advancement in e-waste management employs a zero-discharge, single-acid process, which is specifically designed for the recovery of valuable metals from printed circuit boards (PCBs). The initiative is a direct response to the growing challenge of electronic waste in India, seeking to provide a more sustainable and efficient recycling pathway. The pilot plant's design focuses on minimizing environmental impact through its zero-discharge approach, ensuring that waste byproducts are contained and managed effectively. The single-acid process is optimized for the efficient extraction of metals, contributing to a circular economy model for electronic components. This development by IIT Madras researchers represents a crucial step towards addressing the environmental and resource depletion issues associated with the rapid increase in e-waste generation across the nation.