Definition

"Electronic waste" may be defined as discarded computers, office electronic equipment, entertainment
device electronics, mobile phones,television sets, and refrigerators. This includes used electronics which
are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal. Others are re-usables (working and
repairable electronics) and secondary scrap (copper, steel, plastic, etc.) to be "commodities", and reserve
the term "waste" for residue or material which is dumped by the buyer rather than recycled, including
residue from reuse and recycling operations. Because loads of surplus electronics are frequently
commingled (good, recyclable, and non-recyclable), several public policy advocates apply the term "e-
waste" broadly to all surplus electronics. Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) are considered one of the hardest
types to recycle.

Environmental impact
The processes of dismantling and disposing of electronic waste in developing countries lead to a number of
environmental impacts as illustrated in the graphic. Liquid and atmospheric releases end up in bodies of
water, groundwater, soil, and air and therefore in land and sea animals both domesticated and wild, in
crops eaten by both animals and human, and in drinking water

The environmental impact of the processing of different electronic waste components

E-Waste Component Process Used Potential Environmental Hazard

Cathode ray tubes (used in

TVs, computer monitors,
ATM, video cameras, and
more)
Lead, barium and other heavy metals leaching
Breaking and removal of
into the ground water and release of toxic
yoke, then dumping
phosphor

Printed circuit board (image De-soldering and removal

behind table a thin plate of computer chips; open Air emissions and discharge into rivers of
on which chips and other burning and acid baths to glass dust, tin, lead, brominated dioxin,
electronic components are remove metals after chips beryllium cadmium, and mercury
placed) are removed.

PAHs, heavy metals, brominated flame

Chemical stripping using
Chips and other gold plated
nitric and hydrochloric acid
components
and burning of chips
retardants discharged directly into rivers
acidifying fish and flora. Tin and lead
contamination of surface and groundwater. Air
emissions of brominated dioxins, heavy
metals, and PAHs

Plastics from printers, Shredding and low temp Emissions of brominated dioxins, heavy
keyboards, monitors, etc. melting to be reused metals and hydrocarbons
E-waste management

Reduce Do you really need that new cell phone, stereo, computer or TV?Although electronics are
made to last years, many feel the need to buy new products as soon as they are available.And it seems
as though companies are cranking out the next model before you even have a chance to snip your
proof-of-purchase for that rebate.Basal Action Network (BAN), which is an organization that pushes
for the U.S. to ratify the Basel Convention of international hazardous waste shipment, says at least 1
in 4 homes will trash their still-perfectly-good TV this year following the digital transition.Preventing
waste by reducing electronic consumption is preferable to any waste management option.
Reuse While you are trying to find a purpose for your unused electronics, they are collecting dust
in the garage.No, scratch thatthe boxes they are in are collecting dust in the garage. Meanwhile,
their useful life is wasting away until the time comes when you decide they need to be thrown
away.Just because you had to have the newest Ipod or DTV doesnt mean someone else wont
appreciate the perfectly good older model.Donating used electronics to schools, non-profit
organizations, and low-income families is a great way to lengthen the life of electronic products and
keep them out of the waste stream longer.
Recycle If a product is no longer in condition to be used, dont just throw it away!There are
precious parts and ingredients in electronic devices that can be recycled.The metal, plastics, batteries
and packaging materials in products like cell phones can be used for new products. Metals like gold,
silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, copper, tin, lead, brass and zinc can be recovered and used for
jewelry, plating, electronics, plumbing, automotive and art foundries.