By Shreya Pandey
E-waste is one of the fastest-growing categories of waste on the planet. We generate around 50 million tonnes of e-waste globally, each year. With the increase in accessibility of electronics worldwide, the number is only set to increase.
What is E-Waste?
via Wikipedia
E-waste, or electronic waste, includes electrical and electronic equipment that is unwanted or broken. In other words, anything that runs on electricity and is of no use. Computers, servers, monitors, CDs, printers, scanners, batteries, mobile phones, TVs, medical apparatus, refrigerators, and air conditioners, when unfit for use, are examples of e-waste. Due to the rapid advancements in technology and increased production of newer electronic products, electronic equipment is quickly replaced with newer models. This has caused an exponential increase in e-waste production. People want to quickly switch to the newer models, also the life of products has decreased.
Why is E-Waste So Bad?
E-waste contains chemicals such as mercury, lead, beryllium, cadmium, arsenic, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polychlorinated biphenyls that are harmful to people as well as the environment.
via Recogniedtrader.us
Due to mishandling of e-waste during disposal, these chemicals end up in the soil, water, and air. As e-waste breaks down, it releases toxic heavy metals. These toxins leach into the soil, thus affecting the plants and trees that are flourishing in this soil. They can then enter the human food chain, which can cause birth defects and various other health complications and can also leach into groundwater, thus polluting the connected water resources. These toxins are carcinogenic.
via Quikteks
Electronic goods have an effect on climate change as well. Every device produced has a carbon footprint and contributes to global warming. For instance, with the manufacturing of a tonne of laptops,10 tonnes of CO2 are emitted.
Open-air burning and acid baths release toxins into the environment during the process of burning of e-waste and the recovery of valuable materials from e-waste. Workers are also exposed to high levels of harmful chemicals, which can lead to irreversible health effects such as various types of cancers, neurological damage, miscarriages, and diminished IQs.
via Financial Express
E-Waste Management
via Pontychadhafoundation.org
According to the UN, in 2021, each person on Earth will produce an average of 7.6 kg of e-waste, and only 17.4% of this e-waste will be counted as being properly collected, treated, and recycled. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, the world generated 53.6 Mt of e-waste in 2019, only 9.3 Mt (17%) of which was recorded as being collected and recycled. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) also estimated in a 2015 report "Waste Crimes,
Waste Risks: Gaps and Challenges in the Waste Sector"; that 60-90 per cent of the world’s electronic waste, worth nearly USD 19 billion, is illegally traded or dumped each year.
E-Waste Management in India
India is one of the world’s largest producers of electronic waste. Since 2018, India has produced more than two million tonnes of e-waste annually. Moreover, India imports huge amounts of e-waste from other countries around the world. Dumping of e-waste in open dumpsites and landfills is quite common. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and KPMG study, Electronic Waste Management in India, stated that computer equipment covers almost 70 percent of e-waste, followed by telecommunication equipment, phones (12 percent), electrical equipment (8 percent), and medical equipment (7 percent) with the remaining being household e-waste.
Seelampur in Delhi is the largest e-waste dismantling centre in India. Adults and even children spend 8–10 hours daily extracting reusable parts and valuable metals like copper, gold and other useful parts from the devices. E-waste recyclers use processes including open incineration and acid-leaching. This issue can be addressed by spreading awareness and improving the infrastructure of recycling plants and the prevalent policies. Most of the e-waste collected in India is managed by unorganized or informal sector. Moreover, informal sectors, including repair shops, used product dealers, and e-commerce portal vendors, collect only a significant proportion of the discarded electronics for reuse and recycling. Leaving the rest of the e-waste uncollected is a major environmental risk.
Here are the key steps that the government needs to take:
1) The government should enact recycling policies for all types of e-waste. This would help in
controlling the e-waste problem and also reduce carbon emissions.
2) The government should coordinate with manufacturers to manufacture products that can
be easily recycled or repaired.
Many initiatives have been taken to deal with this emerging issue, but they cannot be effective without cooperation from the public and correct consumer education. By being more conscious about the disposal of e-waste, we can limit the amount of e-waste waste generated and also its impact on the environment. Some of the ways include:
Reduce: The most basic way to address the e-waste crisis is to produce less e-waste. However, newer products seem more attractive and function better than their old models, but novelty always comes at a price. Instead of buying those new devices, use the old ones till they can be used. Moreover, by taking care of our electronic devices, we can utilise them for longer periods of time.
Reuse: Before tossing out old electronics, think about how you can reuse their parts.
Repair: Instead of discarding and replacing old or broken electronics, get them repaired.
Recycle: We can always recycle e-waste provided it's done in the correct way. Many organisations conduct e-waste recycling events and establish drop-off points where people can drop off their e-waste. Recycling end-of-life electronics is the most effective way to deal with the emerging e-waste issue. Most electronic devices have various materials and metals that can be recovered for future purposes. Dismantling contributes to the conservation of natural resources and also avoids air and water pollution caused by hazardous disposal. Moreover, recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions due to the manufacturing of new products.
via Tata Power
Do’s and Don’ts of E-Waste Management
DO’S
Always read the information on the product regarding its disposal and handling.
Make sure that only authorised recyclers fix and handle the e-waste.
Always call e-waste authorised collection centres for disposal of e-waste.
Always discard used electronic products, batteries, or any accessories at the nearest authorised e-waste collection centre.
Disconnect the battery from the product and ensure protection of any glass surface against breakage.
DONT’S
Do not dismantle your electronic products on your own.
Do not throw electronics in bins marked "Do not Dispose".
Do not give e-waste to local scrap dealers or rag pickers.
Do not throw any e-waste in garbage bins along with municipal waste that ultimately reaches landfills.
Safe Handling of E-Waste
Always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working with e-waste.
Work gloves should be used to protect hands from cuts while moving and storing equipment.
Chemical-resistant disposable gloves should be used to prevent skin contact with harmful dust and chemicals.
Bibliography:
https://recyclecoach.com/blog/an-intro-to-e-waste-why-its-a-problem/
https://greentekreman.com/2021/11/18/the-complete-guide-to-e-waste-sources/
https://www.gerecycle.com/3-scary-effects-of-e-waste-on-the-environment-and-human-health/
https://content.statefundca.com/safety/safetymeeting/SafetyMeetingArticle.aspx?ArticleID=808
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