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India study tour - International e-waste exchange, 9-13 February 2026, New Delhi, India

This study tour was organized in the context of the International Exchange Initiative on Regulating E-waste and Engaging Tech Companies project of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Government of Colombia. The study tour will take place from 9 to 13 February 2026, in New Delhi.

During the study tour, the project participating countries had the opportunity to meet and learn from different stakeholders, including local e-waste experts, public and private actors, as well as subject matter experts from the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Discussions focused on engaging tech producers in the e-waste policymaking process and the impact of the extended producer responsibility principle in tackling the e-waste challenge.

The study tour programme covered three days of technical knowledge exchange, a site visit to an e-waste management facility in New Delhi, and a networking and innovation segment convened by the ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre in New Delhi. See the BDT Director's Tweet.

Event highlights

Technical knowledge exchange (9-11 February 2026)

The leading themes of the technical knowledge exchange were: regulatory frameworks, governance and system architecture; circularity in the telecommunications sector and integration of the informal sector; and standardization and operationalization of e-waste management.

During these three days, participants took part in interactive panels, delivered detailed presentations and exchanged around group assignments on best practices for e-waste management
Highlights of the technical knowledge exchange included discussion on integrating digital platforms to streamline e-waste regulatory implementation, how to integrate sustainability throughout the ICT value chain and building capacity in the e-waste management sector.

Site visit (12 February 2026)

Participants visited Greenscape Eco Management Pvt Ltd in New Delhi, an e-waste recycling center and urban mining facility.
The visit to the facility provided opportunity for partiicpants to gain insights and experience. Processing large volumes of e-waste daily, Greenscape carries out end-to-end recovery procedure of metals entirely within its premises.
Participants were given access to the shop floor, where they observed an automated system for refrigerator dismantling in action, among other processes.

Visit to ITU Area Office and networking segment (13 February 2026)

Participants visited the ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre located in New Delhi.
The visit included a presentation of the centre and the global and regional circular economy activities by the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.
In an innovation café session, the participants explored strategic opportunities for e-waste collaboration and the role of digital tools and joint innovation between participating countries and tech companies for sustainable e-waste management.