The Daily Brief Why Samsung and LG Are Upset With India
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Apr 28, 2025 Electronics giants Samsung and LG are navigating a legal showdown with India over controversial e-waste regulations. This conflict highlights the struggles of the country's recycling system and the reliance on informal labor. In a shift in focus, the discussion also explores the implications of an aging global population, addressing both challenges and potential workforce contributions. It delves into cognitive health issues in rural India, emphasizing the interplay between poverty and healthcare access, enriched with insightful policy suggestions.
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India's E-Waste Recycling Struggles
- India's new e-waste rule forces companies to pay a mandatory 22 rupees per kg to recyclers, aiming to professionalize recycling.
- Despite formal recyclers, over 90% of e-waste handling still occurs informally, exposing many to hazardous conditions.
Invisible Informal Sector Problem
- The Indian e-waste law excludes informal collectors and dismantlers, creating a large blind spot in enforcement.
- Lack of clear rules and infrastructure causes confusion and rent-seeking instead of building a robust recycling ecosystem.
Infrastructure Key to Recycling Success
- Unlike India, the US and China have functional recycling systems with clear responsibilities despite some flaws.
- India’s lack of infrastructure and defined processes stalls effective e-waste management reforms.