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 A REPORT On E-waste
Management
by Abhishek Kandel 2021826004

Submission date: 05-Apr-2022 04:41PM (UTC+0530)

Submission ID: 1802363661
File name: 2021826004_CSE_I_Group-1_Abhishek_Kandel.pdf (664.72K)
Word count: 3170
Character count: 22109
CASE STUDY
On
E-waste Management

Sharda University
Principles Of Electrical and Electronics
Engineering

Abhishek Kandel
2021826004
EEE112
Mr. Sabyasachi Mukhopadhya

Paper Due Date

Jan 15, 2022

 Abstract
Electrical and electronic waste has been a significant problem in society. It causes environmental
pollution and is responsible for producing lead, mercury, and other toxins and hazardous chemicals. In
addition, in some cases, the disposal processes such as burning and landfilling generate harmful gases
such as nitrogen oxide. There are binary electrical and electronic waste types: "old equipment" and
"remanufactured equipment." Old equipment has been manufactured and used and usually needs little
maintenance. In contrast, the "remanufactured equipment" includes parts that have been removed from
the old equipment and are placed in a machine to extend the machine's useful life.
This dissertation study was conducted to examine the feasibility of the remanufacturing processes to
reduce environmental burdens. Two studies were conducted. In the first study, the remanufacturing
processes were analysed to determine what types of recycling activities existed and which process steps
were the most efficient. In addition, it was also necessary to determine what type of material will be
recycled in remanufacturing and why the specific materials are used for the remanufacturing processes.

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 Acknowledgment
I wish to articulate my heartfelt appreciation to all the people who have competed for a fundamental role
in this project's exploration; without their involved assistance, the formulation of this case study could
not have been finished within the specified time limit.
I am grateful to our esteemed Guru, Mr. Sabyasachi Mukhopadhya, for inspiring me to complete this
project with complete focus and attention.
I am also appreciative to my friends who endorsed me throughout this project with ultimate cooperation
and persistence and for assisting me in doing this project.

Abhishek Kandel
2021826004

3
 Contents
Abstract .................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Acknowledgment ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction: ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
What is e-waste: .................................................................................................................................................... 5
Types of E-waste.................................................................................................................................................... 5
Anode materials ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Lead ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Mercury ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Zinc .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Iron..................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Source of E-waste: ................................................................................................................................................. 6
Electronic equipment: .................................................................................................................................. 6
Electronic appliances: .................................................................................................................................. 6
Electronic devices: ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Other: ............................................................................................................................................................ 6
E-waste problem and its impact: ......................................................................................................................... 8
Impact on Health .............................................................................................................................................. 8
Impact on Environment ................................................................................................................................... 8
Methods of E-waste Disposal................................................................................................................................ 8
➢ Reuse: ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
➢ Burning: .................................................................................................................................................... 9
➢ Dumping: This.......................................................................................................................................... 9
➢ Disposal: .................................................................................................................................................... 9
➢ Reuse & Refurbishment: ......................................................................................................................... 9
• Rebuilding: ........................................................................................................................................... 9
• Restoring: ............................................................................................................................................. 9
• Filling:................................................................................................................................................... 9
• Repairing: ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Recycling electronic waste:................................................................................................................................... 9
Why Is It Important to Recycle Electronic Wastes? ................................................................................... 10
It is a Green Way of Disposing of the Electronic Waste ......................................................................... 10
It Increases the Market Value ................................................................................................................... 10
It Helps in Sorting the E-waste.................................................................................................................. 10
It Is a Source of Reusing the Old Devices ................................................................................................. 10
Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
Reference ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

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Introduction:
E-waste is an abbreviation for electronic waste. The term is applied to discarded electrical or electronic
equipment that is unfit for further use because of malfunctioning, lack of repair or spare parts, or is too
outdated to be sold commercially efficiently. E-waste has a major impression on the environment. Every
year millions of tons of e-waste enter landfills, and some of them end up in the waterways, seas , and
oceans. The e-waste emits toxic substances such as mercury, lead, cadmium, polychlorinated biphenyls,
benzene, and dioxins, polluting soil and water, threatening water and air quality, and harming the health
of humans and the environment.

What is e-waste:
E-waste consists of devices and appliances that are no longer needed or are malfunctioning. It includes
the materials that are no longer used or are obsolete. In some cases, it consists of computers, electronic
storage and equipment, cell phones, and other similar materials and devices. The discarded e-waste
materials are used to develop new products, resources, and services. E-waste is also referred to as
second-hand or end-of-life electronic products.

Electronic waste contains various heavy metals. Most of these metals are considered harmful to human
health and may result in cancer, liver and kidney problems, respiratory illness, and even death. Most of
the metals are chemically inert in that they do not oxidize into an ionic state. Therefore, there is little
leaching into the environment. However, this can change as soon as they come into contact with water;
it is not unusual for e-waste (or, in some instances, any chemical) to dissolve in water. This process can
create environmental problems.

Types of E-waste
Several heavy metals can be found in e-waste, mainly cathode and anode materials. Such metals include
Pb, Hg, Zn, Ni, Cr, and Cd. Many of these metals are toxic when present in excess. In addition, some
heavy metals can combine with water-soluble substances such as chlorine ions and leach into the
surrounding soil or groundwater.

Anode materials
Some e-waste-related environmental issues are related to the anode materials, as these make up the bulk
of the hazardous substances contained within e-waste. They are also the material that oxidizes in
batteries and generates hazardous substances. In addition, the metals which make up the anode can be
hazardous, as they have the potential to leach into the surrounding environment. They include but are
not limited to Zn, Ni, Mn, Mg, Mn, Cd, Pb, Ti, Al, and Ag.

Lead
Pb is a by-product of the electrolysis of zinc and is present in zinc batteries due to the high solubility of
lead oxide in hydrochloric acid. Most of this lead will be generated at the anode, but some will leach
into the acid, finding its way into the lead oxide. The dissolved lead can then be released as a metal ion
into the surrounding environment. However, the total amount of lead produced is relatively small, so it
is unlikely to cause a significant environmental issue.

Mercury
Mercury is a by-product of the electrolysis of silver and is present in silver-zinc batteries. It will tend to
precipitate out at the cathode, where it is present in around 0.1 to 0.5% of the silver content in the battery,
forming elemental mercury. The amount released as Hg2+ is typically only about half that of the release

5
of gaseous elemental Hg. Therefore, the total Hg produced in the process is relatively small, and Hg2+
is generally not considered a serious environmental concern.

Zinc
Zinc is one of the by-products of zinc electrolysis and is present in Zn batteries due to the solubility of
zinc oxide in hydrochloric acid. The amount of Zn produced can be as large as 1% of the total mass of
the battery (although it will be much less), and the Zn is generally converted to a soluble zinc chloride
during the dissolution process. The Zn metal and ZnCl2 are not likely to cause significant environmental
problems.

Iron
If iron is present in the battery as a product of the corrosion of iron-plated components, then it will often
form from the reaction between the electrolyte and the iron at the anode. The reaction between the iron
in the electrolyte and the iron-plated materials may be a process of electrochemical etching. As a result,
an iron-based battery has a characteristic "faulty" odor, which some people find objectionable.

Source of E-waste:
The primary source of electronic waste is end-of-life products, as the e-waste generated in these devices
are the products of old technology and have become obsolete. In most cases, e-waste results from buying
the electronic device at a low price but not using it for a long time, which means the consumer is not
getting value for money. They also cause waste because the e-waste cannot be recycled effectively.
E-waste source is divided into different types:

Electronic equipment:
➢ Computers and their accessories, including monitors, mice, printers, keyboards, and
modems

Electronic appliances:
➢ LCD screens, cell phones, radios, and other electronic devices

Electronic devices:
➢ Smart cards, credit cards, medical equipment, computer peripherals, and video game
consoles

Other:
➢ Other types of electronic products, such as digital cameras, calculators, and digital media
players

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The picture below shows the E-waste status in Asia in 2019

Source: The Global E-waste Monitor 2020

7
E-waste problem and its impact:
The waste disposal of electronic products is a severe problem, and the environment suffers. It generates
air pollution and causes the release of toxic substances such as mercury, lead, cadmium, polychlorinated
biphenyls, benzene, and dioxins into the environment. As a result, they harm the health of humans and
the environment. E-wastes have an impact on the following area:

Impact on Health
E-waste also poses a significant threat to the health of the population. Many children, for example, are
particularly vulnerable to the dangers posed by the harmful metals contained in old electronic
equipment. Children are typically prone to pick up objects that their parents drop, putting them at risk
of being harmed by the dangerous chemicals inside the e-waste. In addition, the fumes of toxic materials
may cause illness and even death.
Although children may be at a higher risk than adults, anyone could be affected by exposure to e-waste.
Long-term exposure to toxic materials can lead to illnesses like cancer, neurological and reproductive
problems, liver and kidney damage, headaches, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.

Impact on Environment
In addition to the dangers e-waste poses to human health, these heavy metals threaten the environment.
When put into the recycling process, toxic metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic may escape from
decomposing electronics. Other toxic materials may include PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), some of
which are recognized as human carcinogens.
Electronics contain much lead, which has an extreme impact on the environment. Although much of the
lead in e-waste was found in the solder of the circuit boards, there is a significant amount of lead in the
components. Some of the lead may have found its way into the environment when the circuit boards and
other e-waste were disposed of, and lead in any form is harmful to the environment. Lead can cause
many health problems in humans, including headaches, stomach problems, poor memory, and hearing
loss.
Mercury is extremely noxious to the environment and poses a significant threat. Mercury is dangerous
to the environment because it can enter the water table and accumulate in fish. Similarly, mercury levels
in the environment and the air may increase in areas where many electronics are recycled.
Arsenic is very dangerous to the environment. When people and animals consume arsenic, it can be
absorbed into the body and is especially dangerous for infants and pregnant women. It is also very toxic
to soil, plants, and animals. In addition, some studies have found that arsenic leaches into the ground,
and from there, it can contaminate our water table.
A study conducted in South India reported that the concentration of arsenic in the soil beneath e-waste
recycling centers was more than two times higher than the concentration reported by other international
studies. In addition, the researchers noted that the concentration of arsenic in the soil increased at the
recycling center as the metal level in the soil decreased.

Methods of E-waste Disposal

Several methods of E-waste disposal exists, which can be broadly categorized as:

8
 ➢ Reuse: This includes refurbishing existing systems, repairing and rebuilding, and recycling
as much of the metal or plastic as is possible.
➢ Burning: Commonly referred to as smelting. Although the process is quite dangerous, if
done correctly, it can be done very cleanly and produces the most valuable of the metals in the
most efficient way.
➢ Dumping: This involves filling old containers, making a hole in the ground, and
dumping the material there. Usually, the location is not chosen carefully and may contain several
contaminants.
➢ Disposal: Several companies in the UK offer a collection service and disposal, or do it for
you, either in a safe manner or with others who are less careful.
➢ Reuse & Refurbishment: While this is something you should always try to do if
you can afford to, it is an option for less money than dumping. Refurbishment can mean many
things, including;
• Rebuilding: By this, we mean removing old electronic equipment, repairing it, and then
reinstalling it.
• Restoring: By this, we mean taking very damaged equipment and fixing it, so it is suitable
for reuse.
• Filling: By this, we mean filling containers with old electronic equipment, usually as a
way of getting rid of it cheaply, but also as a way of making repairs.
• Repairing: We mean cleaning and repairing equipment items and making them easier to
use. This is very much easier to do if you take the equipment out in parts rather than the
whole.
Several companies (Such as apple, Samsung, etc.) specialize in the reuse and refurbishment of electronic
equipment. They can offer advice on making your equipment available to the right companies. You may
also find that, as you remove old items from your home and yard, you can use this for items that are for
resale.

Recycling electronic waste:

Although much e-waste is not recycled, many more can be recycled. There are several ways that e-waste
can be recycled. Depending on the technology used, e-waste may be sorted into different types of waste
depending on their composition and whether the material is dangerous to work with. Recycling e-waste
helps prevent e-waste from being generated in the first place, saving valuable natural resources. The
recycled e-waste can be used in a variety of products, including:

• Reusable products
• Waste-to-energy technologies (such as incineration and combustion)
• Newer products
• New product development

9
Why Is It Important to Recycle Electronic Wastes?
Electronics have become an essential part of life, and most people are addicted to them. Due to this, a
number of electronic wastes are produced. It is unfortunate that a majority of these wastes end up in
landfills or are discarded in oceans. On the other hand, electronic wastes can become hazardous to the
environment. If you do not take care of electronic waste, there will be serious consequences for you and
the environment. The wastes can become a
reason for the pollution of the oceans and waters.
Electronic wastes pollute the air, soil, and water.
There are numerous ways you can dispose of
your electronic waste safely, but the safest
option is recycling. It is essential to dispose of
the waste in a way that does not harm you or the
environment. The simplest as well as safest way
is to use certified waste facilities. The certified
waste facilities can safely dispose of the wastes.
In addition, the certified waste facilities are
well-equipped with the equipment required to
recycle the electronic wastes.
The certified waste facilities help you take care
of the electronic waste to do not harm yourself
and the environment. There are many benefits to recycling electronic wastes in a certified facility. Here
are a few of the benefits of recycling electronic waste.

It is a Green Way of Disposing of the Electronic Waste

The recycling of electronic waste is the most eco-friendly option. It is estimated that about 98% of e-
waste is recycled. E-wastes are the most hazardous waste that people can get. As such, the disposal of
e-waste is necessary. However, electronic waste is a significant source of pollution. The recycling of
electronic waste keeps the environment clean.
The recycling process is more efficient than disposing of the wastes in landfills. This is because the
process keeps the electronic waste in the best conditions to maximize its use. Therefore, electronic
recycling waste is a cost-efficient way of dealing with it. Moreover, it is the best way to get rid of
electronic waste.

It Increases the Market Value

The recycling of electronic waste is the right thing to do. This is because the market value of recycled
electronic waste is higher than its value at the dumping ground. Therefore, if you plan to dispose of
electronic waste, consider recycling it first. This will save you money in the end.

It Helps in Sorting the E-waste

Sorting e-waste is not easy. This is because it involves a complex process that involves much equipment.
Therefore, if you plan to do it, it is advisable to hire a professional electronic waste recycling facility to
do the sorting. Undertaking so will save you money and time.

It Is a Source of Reusing the Old Devices

Sometimes when electronic devices fail, you are left with a device you do not need anymore. Either you
can get a new one or get a second life for the old one. For instance, you can use the old device as a spare
part for a newer one.

10
There are lots of different types of electronic devices. As such, there is much potential for the use of
recycled electronic waste. Also, there is much value in electronic waste. Therefore, it is good to dispose
of the electronic wastes in the right place.

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 Conclusion
The disposal of electronic waste is hazardous to people and the environment. In addition, it is a
significant source of pollution. However, if you recycle electronic waste properly, there will be many
benefits.
The disposal of electronic waste can also pose a health risk to humans. Although most electronic
wastes can be recycled, only a limited amount of electronic waste can be recycled. Thus, it is
necessary to ensure that electronic wastes are recycled appropriately and safely. For instance, certified
electronic waste facilities can safely dispose of electronic waste. In addition, the certified electronic
waste facilities are equipped with the equipment required to recycle the electronic waste. As a result,
the certified electronic waste facilities will reduce pollution in the environment and keep humans safe.
Therefore, you can rest knowing that you safely dispose of electronic waste.

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 Reference
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