COURSE TITLE-APPLIED CHEMISTRY FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE AND

ENGINEERING STREAM
COURSE CODE-BCHES102/202
MODULE 5
E-WASTE MANAGEMENT
SYLLABUS
Introduction, sources of e-waste, Composition, Characteristics, and Need of E-waste management.
Toxic materials used in manufacturing electronic and electrical products; health hazards due to
exposure to e-waste. Recycling and Recovery: Different approaches of recycling (separation,
thermal treatments, hydrometallurgical extraction, pyrometallurgical methods, direct recycling).
Extraction of gold from E-waste. Role of stake holders in environmental management of e-waste
(producers, consumers, recyclers, and statutory bodies).
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E-WASTE MANAGEMENT
Today’s Electronic Gadgets, Tomorrow’s E- Waste! It’s no secret that E-Waste is increasing at an
alarming rate with each passing day.
What is E-Waste?
Definition of waste.
Waste refers to any electrical or electronic material that is not wanted or needed and is discarded
or disposed of.
Electronic Waste or E-Waste describes rejected electrical or electronic devices. All items of
electrical and electronic equipment and its parts that have been discarded by the user as waste
without the purpose of re-use or re-cycle is called Electronic Waste.
• Any item which is considered as Electronic Waste has a Lifetime Profile which differs for
different categories of Electrical and Electronic devices. Lifetime Profile includes the information
about hazardous quantity present in discarded items, economic value and the effects on
environment and health of people if they are not recycled appropriately.
• Electronic Waste is dismantled and sorted manually in developing countries unlike
developed nations which make use of sophisticated machinery and provides PPE (Personal
Protective Equipment) for the people who risk their lives in extraction of different materials from
Electronic Waste.
Causes of E-Waste
The main causes of Electronic Waste are:
• Advancement in Technology.
• Changes in style fashion and status.

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 • End of their helpful life.
• Not taking precautions while handling them
Sources of electronic waste (e-waste):
The main sources of electronic waste (e-waste) include:
1. Consumer electronics such as smart phones, laptops, televisions, and household
appliances.
2. Office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and fax machines.
3. Medical equipment such as X-ray machines, monitors, and diagnostic equipment.
4. Electronic toys and games.
5. Military and government surplus equipment.
6. Obsolete technology such as outdated computer equipment and VCRs.
7. Discarded or broken electronic devices.
8. Colleges often use electronic equipment such as projectors, computer equipment, and
audio-visual equipment in classrooms and laboratories.

Composition of E-waste
The composition of electronic waste (e-waste) can vary depending on the type of device and
its components. In general, e-waste contains a mixture of materials including:
1. Metals: E-waste often contains valuable metals such as copper, gold, silver,
and aluminum.
2. Plastics: Many electronic devices contain plastic components, including casings,
insulation, and cables.
3. Glass: Electronic devices often contain glass components, such as screens and lenses.
4. Circuit boards: Many electronic devices contain circuit boards, which contain a
mixture of metals and other materials.
5. Batteries: Some electronic devices contain batteries, which can contain
hazardousmaterials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
6. Other hazardous materials: E-waste may also contain other hazardous materials,
such as flame retardants, heavy metals, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Characteristics of E-waste:
The characteristics of electronic waste (e-waste) can include:
1. Complexity: E-waste often contains a complex mixture of materials, making it
challenging to recycle and dispose of properly.
2. Hazardousness: E-waste can contain hazardous materials such as heavy metals, flame
retardants, and batteries, which can pose significant environmental and health risks.
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 3. Volatility: E-waste is a rapidly growing waste stream due to the increasing use of
electronic devices and the limited lifespan of many electronic products.
4. Global issue: E-waste is a global issue, as electronic devices are manufactured, used,
and discarded worldwide.
5. Resource depletion: The extraction of raw materials for electronic devices contributes
to resource depletion, and the improper disposal of e- waste can lead to environmental
contamination and waste of valuable resources.
6. Environmental and health impacts: Improper disposal of e-waste can lead to
significant environmental and health impacts, including soil and water contamination,
air pollution, and harm to human health.
Effects of E-Waste
The effects of improper disposal of E-waste on the environment pose very real threats and dangers
to the global environment at large. Improper disposal of these wastes affect the soil, air and water
components of the environment.
• Effects of E-Waste on Air: Most common result of E-waste on air is through air pollution.
Burning of e waste can release hydrocarbons within the atmosphere that pollutes the air.
• E-Waste Negatively Impacts Soil: E-waste can have a negative effect on the soil. As e-
waste breaks down, it releases toxic heavy metals. Such heavy metals include lead, arsenic, and
cadmium. When these toxins penetrate the soil, they influence the plants and trees. Thus, these
toxins can enter the human food supply, which can lead to birth defects as well as a number of
other health complications.
• Effects of E-Waste on Water: Heavy metals like mercury, lithium, lead present in
electronics (found in mobile phone and computer batteries), etc., when not disposed properly,
these heavy metals penetrate from soil to groundwater which then run to the surface as streams
or small ponds of water.
Definition:
E-waste management refers to the processes and systems used to collect, transport, treat, and
dispose of electronic waste (e-waste) in an environmentally responsible and safe manner
Need of E- Waste Management:
E-waste management is necessary because it helps to address several environmental, health,
and resource-related concerns, including:
1. Protecting the environment: E-waste contains toxic substances, such as lead, mercury,
and cadmium that can have harmful effects on the environment causing soil, air and
water pollution and human health if not properly managed.
2. Conserving resources: E-waste contains valuable resources, such as metals, that can
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 be recovered and reused through proper recycling.
3. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: The production of new electronic products
releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. Proper
recycling and disposal of e-waste can reduce theenvironmental impact of electronic
products.
4. Reducing land filling: land filling of electronic waste can result in the release of toxic
materials into the environment and contribute to soil and water pollution.
5. Protecting public health: Improper handling and disposal of e-waste can expose
workers and the general public to hazardous materials and cause serious health
problems.
6. Data security: E-waste can contain sensitive personal information and confidential
business data that could be exploited if not properly managed.
7. Economic benefits: Proper e-waste management can create job opportunities and
generate revenue from the sale of recovered materials.
8. Rapid growth of electronics industry: India is one of the fastest growing electronics
markets in the world, leading to a growing volume of e-waste.
9. Lack of proper disposal infrastructure: In many parts of India, there is a lack of
proper facilities and infrastructure for the disposal and management of e-waste.
10. E-waste management programs aim to promote responsible recycling and disposal of
electronic waste and minimize the release of hazardous materials into the environment.

Toxic materials used in manufacturing Electronic and Electrical products.

Electronic and electrical products can contain a variety of toxic materials, including:
1. Lead: Lead is a toxic heavy metal commonly used in the manufacture of batteries,
computer monitors, and other electronic components.
2. Mercury: Mercury is used in some fluorescent lights, batteries, and other electronic
devices.
3. Cadmium: Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal used in rechargeable batteries, pigments,
and plastic stabilizers.
4. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is a common plastic used in electronic cables and
other components. It can release toxic chemicals, such as dioxins, when burned or
during disposal.
5. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs): BFRs are used in the manufacture of
electronic products to prevent fires. However, they are toxic and can harm the
environment and human health.

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 6. Barium: Barium is used in some electronic components, including cathode ray tubes.
7. Rechargeable Batteries contains Lithium is used in batteries, but it can be toxic if not
handled properly. Cadmium, Lead, Sodium, Lithium, Nickel etc.,
8. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are toxic chemicals that were widely used ascoolants
and solvents in electronic products, such as refrigerators, air conditioners. They cause
ozone depletion.
Health hazardous due to exposure of e waste:
Exposure to electronic waste (e-waste) can have serious health consequences, including:
1. Poisoning: E-waste can contain toxic substances, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury
that can cause poisoning if they enter the body.
2. Respiratory problems: Exposure to dust and fumes generated during the dismantling
and disposal of e-waste can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis.
3. Neurological effects: Exposure to toxic substances in e-waste, such as lead and
mercury, can cause neurological effects, including memory loss, tumors and coordination
problems.
4. Reproductive problems: Exposure to toxic substances in e-waste, such as cadmium,
can cause reproductive problems, including infertility and birth defects.
5. Cancer: Exposure to carcinogenic substances, such as dioxins and polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), found in e-waste, can increase the risk of cancer.

E- Waste recycling:
The process of e-waste recycling typically involves the following steps:
1. Collection and transportation: E-waste is collected from various sources such as
households, businesses, and recycling facilities. It is then transported to a recycling plant
for processing.
2. Sorting and dismantling: E-waste is sorted into different categories based on the type
of material and the manufacturer. The recyclers then dismantle the devices to separate
the valuable materials from the hazardous components.
3. Shredding: The e-waste is shredded into smaller pieces to make it easier to separate the
different materials. The shredded pieces are then sorted into different categories based
on their composition.
4. Separation: The valuable materials, such as metals, plastics, and glass, are separated
from the other components through a series of physical and chemical processes.
5. Processing: The separated materials are processed to remove any impurities and

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 contaminants, and to prepare them for reuse. For example, metals are smelted to produce
pure metal alloys, while plastics are melted and molded into new products.
6. Disposal of hazardous waste: The hazardous components of e-waste, such as batteries
and LCDs, are properly disposed of to prevent pollution and health hazards.
E- Waste recycling and recovery different approaches (recycling,
separation and thermal treatment)

E-Waste recycling and recovery can be achieved through different approaches, including
separation and thermal treatments.
Separation:
This involves physically separating different components of e-waste, such as metals, plastics,
and circuit boards. This can be done manually or through automated processes, and the
separated materials can then be processed further for recycling or disposal.

Thermal treatments:

E-waste thermal treatment refers to the use of high temperatures to recover valuable metals
and other materials from electronic waste. This process can include incineration or other
pyrometallurgical techniques, and typically involves melting down the waste to separate the
metal components. The separated metals can then be recovered and reused. Thermal
treatment can be an effective method for e-waste recycling.
Hydrometallurgical extraction of E waste:
E-waste hydrometallurgical extraction is a process used to extract valuable metals and other
materials from electronic waste through chemical reactions in aqueous solutions. The process
typically involves the following steps:
Pre-treatment: This involves the fragmentation and size reduction of electronic waste to
prepare it for further processing.

1. Leaching: The e-waste is treated with chemical reagents in a solution to dissolve the
metals and other materials, creating a leachate. Leaching is carried out by dissolving
crushed e-waste in mineral acid like HCl, H2SO4, and aqua regia for leaching metals
like Zinc, Tin, Iron and Aluminium.

Cyanide based solutions are used for leaching precious metals like Copper and gold.
2. Separation: The leachate is then processed to separate and purify the metals and
other materials, through methods such as precipitation or ion exchange.
In Chemical precipitation more reactive metals displace less active metals by displacement

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 reaction. In Ion exchange method using resin for adsorption with activated carbon often
with higher adsorption and recovery rates.

3. Recovery: The extracted metals and other materials are then recovered and processed
for reuse.

Hydrometallurgical extraction is a more environmentally friendly alternative to thermal

treatments, as it generates less hazardous waste and can be more easily regulated to minimize
environmental impact.

Pyrometallurgical methods E-waste recycling:

E-waste pyrometallurgical methods refer to the process of extracting valuable metals and
other materials from electronic waste using high temperatures. These methods include:
1. Smelting: The e-waste is melted in a furnace and then separated into individual metals
and other materials. Smelting is carried out at temperature of 1200°C (approximately.)
Molten metal and slag are tapped from the furnace bottom
2. Refining: The metals from the smelted e-waste are further processed to removeimpurities
and improve their quality.
3. Incineration: Electronic waste is burned at high temperatures to reduce its volume and
recover metals.
Pyrometallurgical methods are effective at recovering valuable metals from e- waste, but they
also generate hazardous byproducts and require significant energy inputs. Additionally, these
methods can pose a risk to the environment and human health if not properly regulated and
monitored.
Direct recycling of e waste:
Direct recycling of e-waste refers to the process of recovering valuable materials from
electronic waste without the need for intermediate processing steps. This can include
processes such as shredding, granulating, and sorting, which are used to separate the different
components of e-waste, such as metals, plastics, and glass. The separated materials are then
processed to extract the valuable components and prepare them for reuse.
Advantages of direct recycling:
Several advantages over other methods of e-waste recycling, including lower energy inputs,
lower environmental impact, and the potential for higher quality end products.

By combining direct recycling with other methods, such as chemical and pyrometallurgical
processing, it is possible to maximize the recovery of valuable materials from electronic

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 waste and minimize the environmental impact of e-waste management.

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 Extraction of gold from e-waste (Explain the Principle and experimental
procedure):
Principle: The principle behind the extraction of gold from e-waste is based on the fact that
gold is a relatively non-reactive metal, which allows it to be recovered from complex
electronic waste matrices through a series of chemical and physical processes.

Experimental procedure:
1. Collection and segregation of e-waste: The first step involves collecting and
segregating the e-waste into different categories, such as computer motherboards, cell
phones, and other electronic devices.
2. Physical separation: The e-waste is physically separated into different components,
such as plastics, metals, and glass.
3. Leaching: The metals, including gold, are leached from the e-waste using a suitable
reagent, such as aqua regia (a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid), to dissolve
the gold.
Au + HNO3 + 4HCl → HAuCl4 + NO + 2H2O
4. Precipitation: The dissolved gold is then precipitated out of the solution through the
addition of a suitable reducing agent, such as sodium metabisulfite.
2H[AuCl4] + 3Na2S2O5 + 3H2O → 2Au + 3SO2 + 3Na2SO4 + 8HCl
5. Purification: The precipitated gold is then purified through processes such as ion
exchange, electro-winning, or distillation, to remove impurities and improve its quality.
6. Recovery: The purified gold is then recovered for reuse.
Advantages:
High yield expected.
Faster extraction of gold is possible.
Disadvantages:
Chemicals are used.
Acid residues are not disposed of properly, which harms the environment.

Role of stakeholders in the environmental management of e-waste:

The role of stakeholders in the environmental management of e-waste can vary depending on
the stakeholder and their level of involvement.
From a local perspective, stakeholders in the environmental management of e- waste may
include:

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 1. Governments: responsible for creating and enforcing regulations and policies to
manage e-waste, as well as promoting public awareness and education about e-waste
management.
2. Manufacturers: responsible for the design, production, and disposal of electronic
products, and may be involved in the collection and recycling of e-waste.
3. Consumers: responsible for properly disposing of e-waste and making informed choices
about the purchase of electronic products.
4. E-waste recyclers and processors: responsible for the safe and responsible
management of e-waste, including the collection, dismantling, and recycling of
electronic waste.
5. Environmental organizations: responsible for advocating for sustainable and

responsible for e-waste management practices and raising public awareness about e-
wasteissues.

6. Community groups: responsible for organizing and participating in e- waste recycling

programs and events and promoting awareness of e-waste issues in the local community.
From a global perspective, stakeholders in the environmental management of e-waste
include
7. International organizations: such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization,
and the International Telecommunication Union, that is responsible for setting global
standards for e-waste management and promoting cooperation and collaboration among
countries.
8. Transnational corporations: responsible for the design, production, and distribution of
electronic products on a global scale, and have a significant impact on e-waste
management practices.
9. Global e-waste trade networks: responsible for the transportation and processing of e-
waste between countries and may impact the environmental and health outcomes of e-
waste management.
10. Governments of developed and developing countries: responsible for creating and
enforcing regulations and policies to manage e-waste, as well as promoting public
awareness and education about e-waste management.

11. Environmental organizations: responsible for advocating for sustainable and

responsible e-waste management practices and raising public awareness about e-waste
issues on a global scale.

12. International community: including consumers, NGOs, and civil society

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 organizations, that can raise awareness about e-waste issues, demand responsible e-
waste management practices, and push for change at the international level.

Role of stake holders - producers, consumers, recyclers, and statutory bodies.

In the management of electronic waste (e-waste), the following stakeholders play important
unique role in the management of e-waste:
1. Producers - are responsible for designing and producing electronic products and may
also be involved in the collection and recycling of e- waste.
2. Consumers - play a crucial role in the responsible disposal of e-waste and making
informed choices about the purchase of electronic products.
3. Recyclers - are responsible for safely and responsibly managing e-waste, including
the collection, dismantling, and recycling of electronic waste.
4. Statutory bodies - such as governments, are responsible for creating and enforcing
regulations and policies to manage e-waste and promoting public awareness and
education about e-waste management.
Role of stake holders in environmental management of e-waste (producers, consumers,
recyclers, and statutory bodies) is listed in the below table:

Statutory Government Regulatory bodies:

• To create and enforce regulations and policies to manage e- waste.
• To promote public awareness and education about e-waste management.
• Responsible to levy taxes on producer in the form of penalty, when no proper recycling
of e-waste is assured.
• To provide the incentives in the form of subsidy to recycler and collectors, when
recycling of e-waste is monitored properly.
• Recommendation of standards and specifications for processing and recycling of e-
waste.
• Set a target for compliance to the reduction in use of hazardous substance in
manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment.
Producers:
• To purchase the recycled material at fixed value and using of recycled ones during
manufacturing.
• Setting up collection centers or offer exchange on old products individually or collectively.
• Financing and organizing a system to meet the costs involved in environmentally sound
management of e-waste generated.
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 • Obtaining an authorization from the concentrated pollution board in accordance with rules.
• Maintain records and produce the same during inspection.
Recycler:
• The accountability of recycling units is dismantling, recycling processing of e-waste
materials, management of scrap materials and reselling of recycled materials.
• Collect the e-waste from the collection units, dealer or retailer.
• Providing incentives when proper collection of e-waste is assured by collections units.
• To obtain the authorization and registration from the statutory body
• To ensure that recycling and facilities for processing are in accordance with standards.
• To ensure that no damage is caused to environment during storage.
Consumer:
• Develop self-awareness on e-waste management and involve in awareness programs.
• To ensure that e-waste generated is channelized to authorized pick-up or return service
provided by the producers.
• Monitoring the society on management of e-waste and file compliance against the
producers/recyclers when e-waste is not handled with care.
• Giving proper awareness to the recyclers regarding the proper guidelines, safety
measures, etc.

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Important questions
1. Discuss the sources of e-waste and explain the need for e-waste management.
2. Discuss hydrometallurgical and pyro metallurgical process of recovery of e-waste.
3. Explain the steps involved in extraction of gold from e-waste with its advantages and
disadvantages.
4. Explain the pyro metallurgical recycling methods.
5. Briefly explain the various chemical methods involved in hydrometallurgy process of
recovery of e-waste.
6. Summarize about the toxic materials used in electrical and electronic products and health
hazardous effects of e-waste exposure.
7. Explain the ill effects of toxic materials used in manufacturing electrical and electronic
products.
8. Write a note on roll of stake holders for example producers, consumers, recyclers and
statutory bodies.

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