IIT Madras developing an online platform called e-Source to tackle e-waste by facilitating connections between Formal & Informal Sectors

Chennai: Indian Institute of Technology Madras is developing an innovative model to tackle electronic wastes (e-waste) by linking stakeholders in the formal and informal economy.

Called ‘e-Source,’ it will be an exchange platform that will serve as an online marketplace for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and facilitate a formal supply chain between various stakeholders (buyers and sellers).

According to studies, currently the world annually generates 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste, which is expected to double in the next 16 years. Studies also estimated that 85 percent of this is being lost globally. IIT Madras researchers, focused on the ‘circular economy,’ are working to address the gaps in the e-waste sector, which can potentially open doors to a $50 billion economy.

e-waste is one of the pressing issues in India as well, with the country being the world’s third largest producer. Further, between 2019 and 2020, Indians generated 38 percent more e-waste. However, what is more worrying is that only 5 percent of e-waste is recycled responsibly in the country.

Called e-Source, this initiative is being spearheaded by Indo-German Centre for Sustainability (IGCS). The IGCS team believes that the problem of e-waste could be resolved by connecting different buyers and sellers of Used and Waste electronic equipment and components without compromising their interests.

The ‘e-Source’ initiative aims to make ‘Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment’ (WEEE) as a key resource in the evolution of a circular economy by establishing traceability and recovery of post-consumer e-waste in the market.

A video about this initiative can be downloaded from the following link – https://fromsmash.com/Electronic-Waste-IIT-Madras

Highlighting the need for ‘e-Source’ initiative, Prof. Sudhir Chella Rajan, Faculty Member, Indo-German Centre for Sustainability (IGCS), IIT Madras, said, “A novel open-source solution is needed that is data enriched, leveraging the potential of transparency in formalised e-waste handling and management. E-wastes are typically either completely stripped down for precious metals and other high-value materials or dumped in landfills, without exploring potential re-use and repurposing options. Unscientific recycling methods are harmful for waste handlers and the environment.”

Elaborating on the project, Prof. Sudhir Chella Rajan, also a faculty in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras, said, “e-Source is a unique open-source platform that will evolve towards using machine learning for better traceability of e-waste in compliance with guidelines and help increase the opportunities for repair and re-use of e-waste. This will potentially improve livelihoods for youth and women in periurban settings by upgrading their skills and improving occupational health and safety, reduce the flow of toxic materials in waste streams and broaden the market for affordable, second-hand e-devices.”

The Team has already completed initial market research and mapping of the various stakeholders in this e-waste ecosystem through direct on-the-ground/telephonic conversations and consultations combined with secondary research. The beta version of the online platform is ready and the team is now looking at more collaborators from the ecosystem, especially informal e-waste aggregators, to kick-start the pilot run. The IGCS team has also begun talks with a few partners.

A unique aspect of the e-Source initiative is that the team would be deploying a detection system that uses a combination of image processing and natural language processing techniques to extract product information and upload it to the database.

Once significant data sets are available, the team would advance towards deploying machine learning capabilities to ensure easy retrieval and proper indexing of the products to meticulously reflect the users’ perspective and the relevant aspects of the processes. Such accuracy is crucial for promoting successful online trading.

This initiative requires forging collaborations and influencing the stakeholders in the informal markets who are primary users/buyers of used electronic goods and sellers of electronic spares, ICT components and electronic equipment. This would ensure enough volumes are generated for repair, re-use and recycling for larger players (e.g., authorized recyclers) to operate along with aiding stand-alone repair-men to acquire electronic components (EC’s) independent of the centralized grey markets.

Other unique features of e-Source include:

Ø Self-certification through prescribed standard protocols for various devices. (E.g., EU standards)

Ø Ensure Mandated adherence to Data erasure protocols (including degaussing and wiping) of personally identifiable information (PII), especially IT and telecommunication equipment.

Ø Provide a listing of components within the device along with suggestions for compatible replacements of dysfunctional parts that are available on the platform.

Ø Users can upload repair procedure videos to increase their reach and saleability of products. The team believes it would trigger an interest in repair cultures as they have enabled access to a knowledge library that is currently vaulted with closed repair networks.

Ø Open-source platform for collaborations with other players to propel circular economy innovations adapted to regional/ hyper-local needs while not compromising data security risks.

Ø Robust and automated open-source security management plan that makes sure that inventory is open source in the code, protects against security and other open-source risks, and enforces open-source use policies that are efficient and economical.

The Future Plans of the e-Source initiative include:

Ø Develop targeted outreach campaigns to bridge the knowledge gap for all users, especially informal actors, on the use of a digital platform and the benefits of the platform. The intent is to on-board users without exposing or posing any threat to their existing livelihoods.

Ø Partner with Government entities such as the Greater Chennai Corporation and other industry brands to address this transition effort by creating awareness and informational programs.

Ø Develop intelligence around modelling market dynamics in real-time, and aid policymakers in addressing the roadblocks in the reverse logistics value chain.