India is emerging as one of the major electronic waste generators in the world, recording a 10 per cent annual growth, a study has found.

The study by a research company with support of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) has found that over 95 per cent of the e-waste is segregated, dismantled and recycled in the unorganised sector based in urban slum in metro cities.

Electronic products, which have reached end-of-life, like television sets, personal computers, mobile phones and electronic appliances come in the category of e-waste.

The study found that e-waste is growing at a rate of 10 per cent annually in India and is likely to touch 434,000 metric tonnes this year.

"The study identified an apparent gap in both technological status and market viability of organised recycling industry. We do not have rules and laws in place for e-waste management and there is a need to address the issue," said DSIR adviser Jyoti Bhatt.

Commenting on the study, Electronics Industry Association (ELCINA) secretary general Rajoo Goel, said: "The industry needs advanced e-waste recycling facilities which do not pose a threat to both workers and to the environment. This can be made possible with enactment of existing e-waste guidelines into legislation."

The study also recommended urgent technological innovation and market intervention in tackling the problem.

There are about 25,000 people employed in unorganised sector in e-waste management and work in hazardous environments contaminated with heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals. Efforts should be made for developing a symbolic relationship between organised and unorganised sector in the process of collection of e-waste, the study said.