The Malik networks—a human infrastructure of waste circulation

Since domestic sources of used electronics became prominent in recent years in India, a particular caste, the Maliks, emerged as a major player in collecting—as well as transporting—e-waste. Originally from western Uttar Pradesh, they had spanned out in search of waste and now, with an all-India presence, keep the materials moving towards Delhi, the centre of this trade. In this video conversation, Juli Perczel and Biao Xiang discuss how the mobility of goods are enabled by humans.

Recorded on 27 July 2021. Juli Perczel is a PhD candidate in Anthropology, University of Manchester, UK.