Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Corporate E-Waste Compliance: Evidence From It Firms in Pune

Electronic waste (e-waste) has emerged as one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, driven by rapid technological advancements, shorter product life cycles, and rising consumer demand. According to Forti et al. (2020), approximately 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2019, with projections indicating continued growth. Recent global assessments have further confirmed that formal recycling systems remain inadequate in many developing economies (International Telecommunication Union [ITU] & United Nations Institute for Training and Research [UNITAR], 2024). India is one of the largest e-waste generators globally. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB, 2023) reported over 1.6 million tonnes of e-waste generated in 2021–22. The rapid expansion of the IT sector and digital infrastructure has significantly contributed to this growth (Adhana, 2023). Pune, a major technology hub in Maharashtra, hosts multinational corporations and large IT parks, generating substantial volumes of obsolete electronic equipment waste. Improper e-waste management poses environmental and health risks due to hazardous substances such as lead and mercury, particularly when handled by informal recyclers (Dwivedy and Mittal, 2012). To address these concerns, India institutionalized Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, later strengthened by the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The 2022 reforms introduced digital compliance and recycling certificate mechanisms to enhance traceability and accountability (Sandwal et al. 2025). While large firms typically demonstrate structured compliance systems (Awasthi et al., 2016), SMEs face resource and awareness constraints. Therefore, this study examines EPR implementation and corporate e-waste compliance among IT firms in Pune, contributing localized evidence to the broader environmental governance literature.