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Electronic_Waste_Overview

Electronic waste (e-waste) consists of discarded electronic devices and includes hazardous substances that can harm the environment and human health. It is characterized by its composition, sources, and types, with significant pollution impacts from metals like lead and mercury. E-waste management involves recycling, proper disposal methods, and legislation such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to mitigate its environmental effects.

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4 views5 pages

Electronic_Waste_Overview

Electronic waste (e-waste) consists of discarded electronic devices and includes hazardous substances that can harm the environment and human health. It is characterized by its composition, sources, and types, with significant pollution impacts from metals like lead and mercury. E-waste management involves recycling, proper disposal methods, and legislation such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to mitigate its environmental effects.

Uploaded by

sy9532073001
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Electronic Waste: Detailed Overview

Define electronic waste -composition of electronic waste

Electronic waste or e-waste refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices. It includes items such as

computers, TVs, mobile phones, refrigerators, etc. The composition of e-waste varies by product but

commonly includes metals (like copper, aluminum), plastics, glass, and hazardous substances (lead,

mercury, cadmium).

Characterization of electronic waste

E-waste characterization involves identifying the type, quantity, and composition of waste. It includes physical

(size, shape), chemical (metal, plastic, hazardous content), and functional (working vs non-working) analysis.

This helps in determining the recycling or disposal method.

Various sources of electronic waste

Sources include households (TVs, phones, computers), industries (medical, laboratory equipment),

businesses (office electronics), and institutions (schools, colleges, govt offices).

Type/classifications of electronic waste

E-waste is classified as:

1. Large household appliances (washing machines, refrigerators)

2. IT and telecom equipment (computers, phones)

3. Consumer equipment (TVs, audio devices)

4. Lighting equipment (fluorescent lamps)

5. Electrical tools (drills, saws)

6. Toys and sports equipment

7. Medical devices
Electronic Waste: Detailed Overview

Which type of constituent/pollutant is generated from specific equipment

- TVs & monitors: Lead, mercury, phosphors

- Mobile phones: Arsenic, cadmium, copper

- Refrigerators: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

- Circuit boards: Lead, brominated flame retardants

- Batteries: Lead, lithium, nickel, cadmium

Impact of various pollutants on the environment

- Lead: Affects soil and groundwater, causes brain and kidney damage

- Mercury: Contaminates water, affects aquatic life and the nervous system

- Cadmium: Toxic to plants, bioaccumulates in animals

- Brominated flame retardants: Persist in environment, disrupt endocrine systems

Methods to reduce emission from e-waste

1. Recycling and reuse

2. Proper segregation at source

3. Safe dismantling techniques

4. Public awareness campaigns

5. Use of eco-friendly designs

6. Strengthening EPR implementation

Factors enhancing e-waste generation

1. Rapid technological advancement

2. Consumerism and short product lifespans


Electronic Waste: Detailed Overview

3. Lack of awareness

4. Inadequate recycling infrastructure

5. Import of second-hand electronics

Properties of materials used in manufacturing e-waste

- Copper: High electrical conductivity

- Plastic: Lightweight and insulating

- Aluminum: Durable and corrosion-resistant

- Lead: Radiation shielding

- Silicon: Semiconductor properties

Current status of e-waste in India and globally

India is the 3rd largest e-waste producer (~1.6 million tonnes/year). Globally, 59.4 million tonnes were

generated in 2022. Only 17.4% is formally recycled worldwide. Informal recycling is dominant in India.

E-waste recycling techniques

- Physical: Manual dismantling, shredding

- Chemical: Acid leaching, solvent extraction

- Biological: Use of microbes to recover metals (bioleaching)

E-waste legislation

- Hazardous Waste Rule 2008: Included e-waste as hazardous

- E-waste Rules 2011: Introduced EPR

- E-waste Rules 2016: Expanded producer responsibility, collection targets, authorized dismantlers and
Electronic Waste: Detailed Overview

recyclers

Basel, Bamako, Rotterdam Conventions

- Basel Convention: Controls transboundary movement of hazardous wastes

- Bamako Convention: African treaty banning import of hazardous waste

- Rotterdam Convention: Prior informed consent for hazardous chemical trade

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

EPR makes producers responsible for the collection, recycling, and disposal of their products after end-of-life.

It aims to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainable product designs.

Define WEEE and health/environmental impact

WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. It harms human health (cancer, neurological

issues) and the environment (soil, air, water pollution) if not disposed of properly.

E-waste pollution

E-waste pollution includes leaching of heavy metals into soil and water, toxic emissions from burning plastics,

and air pollution from dismantling operations, affecting both the ecosystem and public health.

Factors affecting composition of E-waste

1. Type of device

2. Age and model

3. Manufacturing materials

4. Usage patterns
Electronic Waste: Detailed Overview

5. Geographic region

Circular vs Linear economy

- Linear Economy: 'Take-Make-Dispose' model. Leads to waste and resource depletion.

- Circular Economy: Focuses on reuse, repair, recycling to reduce waste and environmental impact.

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