JANIUAY NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL

Science, Technology Engineering & Mathematics Class

Janiuay, Iloilo

STRIVING FOR A GREENER TOMORROW: HUMAN-CENTRIC APPROACHES TO

REVOLUTIONIZE E-WASTE SOLUTIONS AND POLICY EVOLUTION

Submitted by:

COLE ADRIAN C. ENGADA

SAMANTHA PEARL H. INDICO

NICOLE ANN M. MORALIDAD

AN EAPP Investigatory Project

Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in EAPP

In Senior High School – Science, Technology Engineering &

Mathematics Curriculum

January 2023

LIEZL S. PESCASIOSA

EAPP Adviser
 JANIUAY NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH
SCHOOL
Science, Technology & Engineering Class
Janiuay, Iloilo

Introduction

Background and Rationale of the Study

As cited by Light Guide (2023), in the world of electronic waste (e-waste) recycling,

imagine

technological innovations as guiding lights, illuminating a path towards

transformative solutions for our planet. As we navigate the intricate landscape of e-

waste, these innovations aren't just cold machines; they're expressions of human

creativity and a shared dedication to eco-friendly practices. Think about the creation

of cutting-edge sorting systems that mimic the precision of human hands, gracefully

separating materials in e-waste. These systems, decked out with advanced sensors

and artificial intelligence, bring a certain finesse to the recycling dance. As Baldé et

al. (2017) highlighted, these innovations in sorting technologies, inspired by our own

human touch, significantly enhance the effectiveness of e-waste recycling facilities,

ensuring more accurate and resource-conscious approach. But it doesn't stop there.

Picture ingenious methods that delicately extract valuable materials from electronic

devices, forming a perfect union of technology and environmental care. These

avant-garde techniques go beyond the ordinary recycling playbook, allowing us to

recover precious metals and other valuable resources. It's not just about reducing

the environmental impact of e-waste; it's a meaningful contribution to the

conservation of our finite resources (Awasthi et al., 2016).In the heart of it all,

technological innovations in e-waste recycling tell a story of collaboration—a

collective effort to tackle environmental challenges with a warm, human touch.

 JANIUAY NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
Science, Technology & Engineering Class
Janiuay, Iloilo

These advancements transcend mere efficiency; they represent a shared

commitment to sculpting a future that's not only technologically advanced but also

deeply compassionate. The researchers would like to focus on the human-centric

approaches to revolutionize e-waste solutions and policy evolution.

Statement of the Problem

The researchers would like to investigate on the human-centric approaches to

revolutionize e-waste

solutions and policy evolution.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following:

1. How can human-centric approaches contribute to revolutionizing e-waste

solutions?2. What specific examples or methodologies might be considered as

human-centric approaches in

the proposed revolution of e-waste solutions?

3. How might the integration of a human-centric perspective contribute to the long-

term

sustainability and success of efforts to manage and reduce e-waste?

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 JANIUAY NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
Science, Technology & Engineering Class
Janiuay, Iloilo

Review of Related Literature

Methodology

Due to the exploratory nature of the research, mixed methods are used as it leads to
extensive interpretation on ways to handle and solve e-waste. The first step in any applying any
approach towards e-waste solution is to establish ideas and create plans. It was necessary to
conduct a detailed literature review to characterize electronic waste, its handling, recycling and
prediction, and the emerging issues involved in the field.

Recycling

An integral part of managing e-waste is recycling. When done correctly, it

should significantly lessen the amount of hazardous elements that seep into the

environment and protect against the depletion of natural resources. It does,

however, require support from the local government and through community

education. Recycling printed circuit boards from electronic trash is one of the main

issues. Precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and the like are found on the

circuit boards, along with basic metals like copper, iron, and aluminum. Circuit

boards can be melted, cable wrapping can be burned to recover copper wire, and

valuable metals can be extracted using open-pit acid leaching. Because e-waste

contains excessive amounts of hazardous materials and particles like lead, mercury,

cadmium, barium, lithium, and polybrominates flame retardants, it affects nearly

every system in the human body. Polyvinyl chloride is the material used to cover

electronics. Improper handling of e-waste can lead to birth deformities, damage to

the skeletal system, and

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 JANIUAY NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
Science, Technology & Engineering Class
Janiuay, Iloilo
problems with the brain, heart, kidney, and liver, among other health effects.

Additionally, they have a gravely detrimental effect on human reproductive and

neurological systems.

Strengthening Regulatory Mechaniams:

Elevating e-wante management in the Philippines necessitates a focus on robuet

fegulatory mechanisms, This involves creating strong monitoring systems, fostering

transparency in reporting, and ensuring strict enforcement for compliance. By

holding both producers and couns, ants accountable, these policies transform into

more than legal obligations, they become a collective commitment to a sustainable

and thriving future.

Community Engagement

Community engagement involves actively involving individuals and organizations

within a community to address e-waste challenges. It creates a sense of collective

responsibility and encourages everyone to take part in finding solutions. Organizing

events where community members can bring their old electronic devices for proper

disposal or recycling. These events can be held in collaboration with local recycling

centers or organizations specializing in e-waste management. Conducting

educational campaigns to raise awareness about the environmental impact of e-

waste and the importance of responsible disposal will help too. This can include

distributing informational materials, organizing workshops, or hosting talks in

schools, community centers, and other public spaces.

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JANIUAY NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
Science, Technology & Engineering Class
Janiuay, Iloilo

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 JANIUAY NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH
SCHOOL
Science, Technology & Engineering Class Janiuay,
Iloilo

References

Awasthi, A.K., et. al. (2016). Relationship between e-waste recycling and human health risk in India: a

critical review. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23, 11509–11532. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-

016-6085-7.

Baldé, C. P., Forti, V., Gray, V., Kuehr, R., & Stegmann, P. (2017). The Global E-waste Monitor – 2017.

United

Nations University (UNU), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), & International Solid Waste

Association (ISWA). Bonn/Geneva/Vienna.

Retrieved from

https://collections.unu.edu/eserv/UNU:6341/Global-E

waste_Monitor_2017__electronic_single_pages_.pdf

Kang L. et. al. (2023). A global perspective on e-waste recycling.

Retrieved from

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aogh.2014.10.001.

Light Guide (2023). Electronics Recycling & E-Waste Management: A Technological Revolution is

Underway.

Retrieved from https://www.lightguidesys.com/resource-center/blog/electronics-recycling-e

 JANIUAY NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
Science, Technology & Engineering Class
Janiuay, Iloilo
waste-management-a-technological-revolution-is-underway/

Perkins, D. N. et. al. (2014). E-Waste: A global hazard, annals of global health. Retrieved from

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aogh.2014.10.001.

Cho, R. (2018) What Can We Do About the

Growing E-Waste Problem?. State of the Planet, 7,

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Comprehensive Review on E-Waste Management Strategies and Prediction Methods: A

Saudi Arabia Perspective.

Knowledge 2023, 3(2), 163-179, doi: 1 0. 3390/knowledge3020012

Andeobu, L., Wibowo, S., Grandhi, S.,

(2021) A Systematic Review of E-Waste

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Science, Technology & Engineering Class
Janiuay, Iloilo
Generation and Environmental Management of Asia Pacific Countries.

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Harris, L. (2022) E-Waste 1 01 : Everything

You Need to Know. EcoWatch, 5

Fontanos, P. M., Peralta, G. L. (2020) EWaste Issues and Measures in the

Philippines. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 8(1), 34-39, doi:

10.1007/s101 63-005-0142-5

Ahirwar, R., Tripathi, A. K. (2021) E-Waste

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Frazzoli, C., Ruggieri, F., Battistini, B., Orisakwe, O. E., Igbo, J. K., Bocca, B.

(2022) E-Waste Threatens Health: The Scientific Solution Adopts the One Health Strategy.

ScienceDirect, 6, doi: 10.101 6/

j.envres.2022.1 13227

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JANIUAY NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
Science, Technology & Engineering Class
Janiuay, Iloilo

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