A Technical Seminar report on

“E-WASTE”

Submitted
In partial fulfillment of the Requirement for the award of the Degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
In

ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

By

VATTE PAVAN MANIK

19W91A04P1

Under the Esteemed Guidance of

Mr. K. HARISH GANDHI

Assistant Professor

Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering

MALLA REDDY INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Approved by A.I.C.T.E. - New Delhi, Affiliated to J.N.T. University Hyderabad
Maisammaguda, Dhulapally, Secunderabad-500 100
December-2022
 Malla Reddy Institute of Engineering and Technology
(Sponsored by Malla Reddy Educational Society)
ISO 9001-2008 Certified institution, Affiliated to JNTU, Hyderabad
Maisammaguda, Dhulapally (Post via Hakimpet), Sec’Bad - 500 100.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the technical seminar entitled “E-WASTE” that is being submitted by
VATTE. PAVAN MANIK (19W91A04P1) under the guidance of Mr. K. HARISH GANDHI for
the award of B.Tech Degree in ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
from the MALLAREDDY INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY,
Maisammaguda (Affiliated to JNTU Hyderabad) is a record of Bonafide work carried out by them
under our guidance and supervision. The results embodied in this technical seminar have not been
submitted to any other university or institute for the award of any degree.

Project Guide HOD

Mr. K. HARISH GANDHI Dr. P.SAMPATH KUMAR
Department of ECE Department of ECE

External Examiner Principal

Dr. M Ashok

ii
 Malla Reddy Institute of Engineering and Technology
(Sponsored by Malla Reddy Educational Society)
ISO 9001-2008 Certified institution, Affiliated to JNTU, Hyderabad
Maisammaguda, Dhulapally (Post via Hakimpet), Sec’Bad - 500 100.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

DECLARATION

I, VATTE PAVAN MANIK (19W91A04P1) hereby declare that the technical seminar entitled“E-
WASTE” is bonafide work done and submitted under the guidance of Mr. K. HARISH
GANDHIin partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of BACHELOR OF
TECHNOLOGY in ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING.

DEPARTMENT OF ECE

VATTE PAVAN MANIK 19W91A04P1

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are very much thankful to Director, Shri. P.PRAVEEN REDDY for giving us this
opportunity to do this technical seminar. We express our deep sense of gratitude to him for his
constant guidance and inspiring words.

We express our profound thanks to our Principal, Dr. M. ASHOK, for extending all the
college facilities for the completion of the technical seminar.

We would like to thank Dr. P. SAMPATH KUMAR Professor and Head of the Department
of Electronics and Communication Engineering & Dr. RAJSREE RAO Dean of Academics for
having provided the freedom to use all the facilities available in the department, especially the
laboratories and the library, at anytime.
We feel highly obliged to our seminar coordinator Mr. SHAIK SOHEL PASHA
(Ph.D), Asst Professor and techinal seminar guide Mr. K. HARISH GANDHI Assistant
Professor Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering for their constant
encouragement andmoral support. They have been a source of valuable guidance, suggestions and
kindness during thecourse of the project work. We find no words to express our gratitude and
thanks to them.

We sincerely thank all the staff of the Department of Electronics and Communication
Engineering, for their timely suggestions, healthy criticism and motivation during the course of our
study. We would also like to thank our friends for always being there to provide required help or
support. With great respect and affection, we thank our parents who were the backbone behind our
deeds.

Finally, we express our immense gratitude with pleasure to one and all who have either
directly or indirectly contributed to our need at right time for the development and execution of
technical seminar.

VATTE PAVAN MANIK 19W91A04P1

iv
 CONTENTS

S.NO TOPIC PAGE NO.

CONTENTS 1

LIST OF FIGURES 3

LIST OF TABLES 4

ABSTRACT 6

CHAPTER - 1 INTRODUCTION 7

CHAPTER - 2 WHAT IS E-WASTE 8

CHAPTER - 3 COMPOSITION OF E-WASTE 10

CHAPTER - 4 E-WASTE GENERATION IN INDIA 12

CHAPTER - 5 GROWTH OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC 14

INDUSTRY IN INDIA
CHAPTER - 6 TYPES OF E-WASTE 16

6.1 Anode materials 16

6.2 Lead 16

6.3 Mercury 17

6.4 Zinc 17

6.5 Iron 18

CHAPTER - 7 SOURCE OF ELECTRONIC WASTE 19

7.1 Electronic equipment 19

7.2 Electronic appliances: 19

7.3 Electronic devices 19

7.4 E-waste problem and its impact 20

7.4.1 Impact on Health 20

1
 7.4.2 Impact on environment 20

7.5 Methods of E-waste Disposal 21

CHAPTER - 8 RECYCLING ELECTRONIC WASTE 23

8.1 Why Is It Important to Recycle Electronic Wastes? 23

8.2 It is a Green Why of Disposing of the Electronic Waste 24

8.3 It Increases the Market Value 24

8.4 It Helps in Sorting the E-waste 24
8.5 It Is a Source of Reusing the Old Devices 24
8.6 Step-by-Step Process of E-waste Recycling 24

CHAPTER - 9 FLOW CHART 27

CHAPTER - APPLICATIONS 28
10
CHAPTER - CONCLUSION 29
11
FUTURE SCOPE 30

REFERENCES 32

2
 LIST OF TABLES

S.N TITLE PAGE

O NO.
1. 3.1: e-Waste components and its health hazards if 10
done manually in an uncontrolled and informal
method.
2. 3.2: Average Composition of WEEE 11

3
 LIST OF FIGURES

S.NO TITLE PAGE

NO.
1 FIG Electronic waste 9
. 2.1
2 FIG Computer and laptop waste 9
. 2.2
3 FIG E-Waste generation in india 10
. 3.2
4 FIG Batteries waste 16
. 6.1
5 FIG Lead waste 17
. 6.2
6 FIG Mercury waste 17
. 6.3
7 FIG Zinc waste 18
. 6.3
8 FIG Iron waste 18
. 6.4
9 FIG Types of e-waste 23
. 8.1
1 FIG Lifecyle of electronics 27
0 9.1
.
11. FIG The e-waste process 27
9.2

4
 E-WASTE

MRIET DEPT OF ECE

 ABSTRACT

Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the country. Growth of
Information and Communication Technology sector has enhanced the usage of the electronic
equipment exponentially. Faster obsolescence and subsequent up-gradation of electronics product,
are forcing consumers to discard old products, which in turn accumulate huge e-waste to the solid
waste stream. E-waste is growing in India at the rate of 10%. Major recycling of e-waste is carried
out in the non-formal sector using primitive and hazardous methods. Adequate legislative
measures and cost-effective, environmental friendly, technological solution would be needed to
address the issue. This article provides the basic information on electronic waste management in
India.

6
 CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION
The discarded and end-of-life electronics products ranging from computers, equipment used in
Information and Communication Technology (ICT), home appliances, audio and video products
and all of their peripherals are popularly known as Electronic waste (E-waste).

There is, however, no standard or generally accepted definition of e-waste in the world. In most
cases, e-waste comprises of the relatively expensive and essentially durable products used for
data processing, telecommunications or entertainment in private households and businesses.

E-waste is not hazardous if it is stocked in safe storage or recycled by scientific methods or

transported from one place to the other in parts or in totality in the formal sector. The e-waste
can, however, be considered hazardous if recycled by primitive methods. E-waste contains
several substances such as heavy metals, plastics, glass etc., which can be potentially toxic and
hazardous to the environment and human health, if not handled in an environmentally sound
manner. E-waste recycling in the non formal sector by primitive methods can damage the
environment.

The ill effects of e-waste could be on soil through leaching of hazardous contents from landfills;
in water due to contamination of rivers, wells and other water sources; in air due to emission of
gases and burning of e-waste. The recycling process, if not carried out properly, can cause
damage to human being through inhalation of gases during recycling, contact of the skin of the
workers with hazardous substances and contact during acid treatment used in recovery process.

The hazardous and toxic substances found in e-waste include lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in
printed circuit boards (PCBs). Lead is primarily found in all electronic products/ assembly,
cathode ray tubes (CRT) etc. Cadmium is found in monitor/ CRTs while there may be mercury
in switches and flat screen monitors. Mercury is also found in CFL, relays and some other
specific products. Besides the cadmium in computer batteries, cadmium is also used for plating
metal enclosures/ metal parts in sub assemblies. Polychlorinated biphenyls are found in
capacitors and transformers and as brominated flame retardant on printed circuit boards, plastic
casings, cable and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cable sheathing for insulation and PBD/PBDE in
plastic parts of electronics.

7
 CHAPTER-2

WHAT IS E-WASTE?

Like hazardous waste, the problem of e-waste has become an immediate and long term concern
as its unregulated accumulation and recycling can lead to major environmental problems
endangering human health. The information technology has revolutionized the way we live,
work and communicate bringing countless benefits and wealth to all its users. The creation of
innovative and new technologies and the globalization of the economy have made a whole range
of products available and affordable to the people changing their lifestyles significantly. New
electronic products have become an integral part of our daily lives providing us with more
comfort, security, easy and faster acquisition and exchange of information. But on the other
hand, it has also led to unrestrained resource consumption and an alarming waste generation.
Both developed countries and developing countries like India face the problem of e-waste
management. The rapid growth of technology, upgradation of technical innovations and a high
rate of obsolescence in the electronics industry have led to one of the fastest growing waste
streams in the world which consist of end of life electrical and electronic equipment products. It
comprises a whole range of electrical and electronic items such as refrigerators, washing
machines, computers and printers, televisions, mobiles, i-pods, etc., many of which contain toxic
materials. Many of the trends in consumption and production processes are unsustainable and
pose serious challenge to environment and human health.

Optimal and efficient use of natural resources, minimization of waste, development of cleaner
products and environmentally sustainable recycling and disposal of waste are some of the issues
which need to be addressed by all concerned while ensuring the economic growth and enhancing
the quality of life. The countries of the European Union (EU) and other developed countries to an
extent have addressed the issue of e-waste by taking policy initiatives and by adopting scientific
methods of recycling and disposal of such waste. The EU defines this new waste stream as ‘Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment’ (WEEE). As per its directive, the main features of the WEEE
include definition of ‘EEE’, its classification into 10 categories and its extent as per voltage rating
of 1000 volts for alternating current and 1500 volts for direct current. The EEE has been further
classified into ‘components’, ‘sub-assemblies’ and ‘consumables’. Since there is no definition of
the WEEE in the environmental regulations in India, it is simply called ‘e-waste’. E-waste or
electronic waste, therefore, broadly describes loosely discarded, surplus, obsolete, broken,
electrical or electronic devices.

8
 Fig 2.1: Electronic waste

Fig 2.2: Computers and Laptops Waste

9
 CHAPTER-3

Composition of E-waste:

E-waste consists of all waste from electronic and electrical appliances which have reached their
end- of- life period or are no longer fit for their original intended use and are destined for
recovery, recycling or disposal. It includes computer and its accessoriesmonitors, printers,
keyboards, central processing units; typewriters, mobile phones and chargers, remotes, compact
discs, headphones, batteries, LCD/Plasma TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators and other
household appliances. The composition of e-waste is diverse and falls under ‘hazardous’ and
‘non-hazardous’ categories. Broadly, it consists of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, glass,
wood and plywood, printed circuit boards, concrete, ceramics, rubber and other items. Iron and
steel constitute about 50% of the waste, followed by plastics (21%), non-ferrous metals (13%)
and other constituents. Non-ferrous metals consist of metals like copper, aluminium and precious
metals like silver, gold, platinum, palladium and so on. The presence of elements like lead,
mercury, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, hexavalent chromium, and flame retardants beyond
threshold quantities make e-waste hazardous in nature. It contains over 1000 different
substances, many of which are toxic, and creates serious pollution upon disposal. Obsolete
computers pose the most significant environmental and health hazard among the e-wastes.

Table 3.1: e-Waste components and its health hazards if done manually in an uncontrolled and
informal method.

Metals Toxic effects

1 Antimony Irritation of the eyes, Skin, Lungs, Heart.
2 Bismuth Inhalation problems, Skin reactions, Sleeplessness, Depression,
Rheumatic pain.
3 Cadmium Damage the lungs. Bone fracture, Damage to central nervous system,
Possibly DNA damage, Cancer.
4 Chromium Allergic reactions, Lung
cancer Nose irritations and
nosebleeds.
Upset stomachs and ulcers,
Kidney and liver damage Cause of Death.
5 Cobalt Lung effects, Hair loss, Vomiting and nausea, Vision problems, Heart
problems, Thyroid damage, cause of Asthma & Pneumonia
6 Gallium Cause throat irritation, Difficulty breathing, Chest pain, Partial paralysis.
7 Germanium Harmful for Skin, Eyes & Blood
8 Molybdenum Joint pains in the knees, hands, feet

9 Nickel Lung cancer, Nose cancer, Larynx cancer and Prostate cancer, Heart
disorders

10
10 Selenium Collection of fluid in the lungs, Abdominal pain, Fever, Heart and
muscle problems, Bronchial asthma, Diarrhoea, Enlarged liver, Burning,
Bronchitis, Sore throat, Cause of death
11 Silver Kidney, Eye, Lung, Liver, Brain damage, Anaemia
12 Lead Rise in blood pressure, Kidney damage, Miscarriages and subtle
abortions,
Brain damage, Effects fertility of men through sperm damage,
Diminished learning abilities of children
13 Tin Eye and skin irritations, Headaches, Stomachaches, Sickness and
dizziness, Breathlessness, Urination problems
14 Iron risk of lung cancer
15 Yttrium Threat to the liver, Cause of cancer
16 Zinc Decreased sense of taste and smell,, Birth defects, Vomiting, Skin
irritations, Stomach cramps

It is difficult to identify the level of content of each metal. For each category of electronic
equipment, each manufacturer, each model may have different composition. However based on
various studies and experiments, we can establish average benchmarks for some products.

Table 3.2 : Average Composition of WEEE

In reality, all metals cannot be recovered due to technology limitations and commercial viability.
In real world, the major metals recovered are Gold, Platinum, Paladium, Nickel, Copper, Silver,
Zinc, Iron, Aluminium. Major non metals recovered are Lead, Phosphorous. Other items are
plastic and glass. It may make economic sense to focus on only a few items and dispose the
remaining.

11
 CHAPTER-4

E-waste generation in India:

All over the world, the quantity of electrical and electronic waste generated each year, especially
computers and televisions, has assumed alarming proportions. In 2006, the International
Association of Electronics Recyclers (IAER) projected that 3 billion electronic and electrical
appliances would become WEEE or e-waste by 2010. That would tantamount to an average e-
waste generation rate of 400 million units a year till 2010. Globally, about 20-50 MT (million
tonnes) of e-wastes are disposed off each year, which accounts for 5% of all municipal solid
waste.

Although no definite official data exist on how much waste is generated in India or how much is
disposed of, there are estimations based on independent studies conducted by the NGOs or
government agencies. According to the Comptroller and Auditor- General’s (CAG) report, over
7.2 MT of industrial hazardous waste, 4 lakh tonnes of electronic waste, 1.5 MT of plastic waste,
1.7 MT of medical waste, 48 MT of municipal waste are generated in the country annually. In
2005, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) estimated India’s e-waste at 1.47 lakh tonnes
or 0.573 MT per day. A study released by the Electronics Industry Association of India
(ELCINA) at the electronics industry expo – “Componex Nepcon 2009” had estimated the total
e-waste generation in India at a whopping 4.34 lakh tonnes by end 2009. The CPCB has
estimated that it will exceed the 8 lakh tonnes or 0.8 MT mark by 2012.

There are 10 States that contribute to 70 per cent of the total e-waste generated in the country,
while 65 cities generate more than 60 per cent of the total e-waste in India. Among the 10 largest
e-waste generating States, Maharashtra ranks first followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. Among the
top ten cities generating e-waste, Mumbai ranks first followed by Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai,
Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Surat and Nagpur.

The main sources of electronic waste in India are the government, public and private (industrial)
sectors, which account for almost 70 per cent of total waste generation. The contribution of
individual households is relatively small at about 15 per cent; the rest being contributed by
manufacturers. Though individual households are not large contributors to waste generated by
computers, they consume large quantities of consumer durables and are, therefore, potential
12
creators of waste. An Indian market Research Bureau (IMRB) survey of ‘E-waste generation at
Source’ in 2009 found that out of the total e-waste volume in India, televisions and desktops
including servers comprised 68 per cent and 27 per cent respectively. Imports and mobile phones
comprised of 2 per cent and 1 per cent respectively.

As a large-scale organised e-waste recycling facility, the Attero Recycling Plant in Roorkee
opened in January 2010. Despite 23 units currently registered with the Government of India,
Ministry of Environment and Forests/ Central Pollution Control Board, as e-waste
recyclers/reprocessors, having environmentally sound management facilities, the entire recycling
process more or less still exists in the unorganised sector. The Cobalt-60 radiation tragedy at
Mayapuri in Delhi in which one person lost his life and six persons were admitted to hospital
served as a wakeup call drawing attention to the mounting quantity of hazardous waste including
e-waste in the country while revealing systemic problems on the issue of waste disposal. The
Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has notified the Hazardous Wastes (Management,
Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008 for effective management of hazardous
wastes, including e-waste in the country. But these rules do not apply to the radioactive wastes
such as Cobalt – 60 which are covered under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.

Fig4.1 : E-Waste Generation in India

13
 CHAPTER-5

Growth of electrical and electronic industry in India

A Brief History

Our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had said in 1961 that the pace of change in the
world was greater due to new avenues opening out with the application of electronics, atomic
energy, etc. He then observed that the nation or the community which kept pace with those
developments could keep pace with the rest of the world. In fact, initiated and controlled by the
Government, the Electronics Industry in India took off around 1965 with an orientation towards
space and defence technologies. It was followed by developments in consumer electronics
mainly with transistor radios, black & white televisions, calculators and other audio products.
Successive Prime Ministers laid emphasis on electronics for industrial growth and progress and
for the all round modernization and advancement of our nation. It was during Prime Minister
Smt. Indira Gandhi’s tenure that the Electronics Commission composed of scientists and
engineers was set up for the development of what she described as ‘a vital industry’. It was
during Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure that electronics received much more serious
attention followed by concrete programme of action to unleash a countrywide electronics
revolution.

While inaugurating the seminar on Investment Opportunities on Electronics’ on 21 February

1985, in New Delhi, he remarked that electronics was critical to India’s growth. He stated that
India missed the industrial revolution which multiplied several folds the power of human beings
to carry out diverse activities. Regretting that India required almost three hundred years to catch
up with that revolution, he maintained that the second revolution that is the electronics revolution
or the computer revolution was about to by-pass India because we could not remain tuned to it in
time. He, therefore, underlined the necessity of running behind it and joining it to use its
unprecedented power for taking India to twenty first century. Exuding confidence that India was
capable of doing it, he stated that application of electronics would make revolutionary impact on
every segment of the industry and in every field of human activity and society. He, for the first
time, introduced computers to India on a large scale and established several technology missions
one of which was on telecommunication. Such forward looking initiatives ushered in computer
and telecommunication revolution across the country, quickening the pace of work and providing
14
connectivity at a faster pace.

Indian economy has witnessed significant growth in the last two decades. The IT sector has
contributed significantly to the overall economic growth. In recent years, the electronic industry
has been growing very rapidly. The electronics market in India jumped from US$ 11.5 billion in
2004 to US$ 32 billion in 2009 making it one of the fastest growing electronics market
worldwide with the potential to reach US$150 billion by 2010. India’s low manufacturing costs,
skilled labour, raw materials, availability of engineering skills and opportunity to meet demand
in the populous Indian market have contributed significantly to facilitate the growth of the
electronics industry. Besides, India’s, large and growing middle class of 320-340 million has
disposable income for consumer goods.

India, in the last couple of decades, has also been vastly influenced by the culture of
consumerism. The application of electronics related technology has been very wide spread in all
sectors. Coupled with the rapid pace of industrialization, Personal Computers (PCs) — desktops
and notebooks, televisions and mobile phones and other manufacturing items like refrigerators
have experienced high growth and even faster replacement cycle. The electronics manufacturing
industry has emerged as one of the most innovative industries in the world over. It is constantly
engaged in creating and utilizing new technologies. This has also partly contributed to what is
called inbuilt product obsolescence. This has resulted into an ever increasing quantity of
electronics and electrical appliances being discarded, as it is often cheaper to buy new product
than to repair or upgrade a broken or obsolete one.

15
 CHAPTER-6

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.

6.1 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.

Fig 6.1: Batteries Waste

6.2 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.

16
 Fig 6.2: Lead Waste

6.3 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 6 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.

Fig 6.3: Mercury Waste

6.4 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.
17
 Fig 6.4: Zinc Waste

6.5 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.

Fig 6.5: Iron waste

18
 CHAPTER-7

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:

7.1 Electronic equipment:

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

7.2 Electronic appliances:

➢ LCD screens, cell phones, radios, and other electronic devices

7.3 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 player

Fig 7.1: Types of E-Waste

19
7.4 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:

7.4.1 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.

7.4.2 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.
20
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.

7.5 Methods of E-waste Disposal

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

➢ 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.

21
 • 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.

22
 CHAPTER-8

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

8.1 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.

23
8.2 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 ewaste 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.

8.3 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.

8.4 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.

8.5 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.

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.

8.6 Step-by-Step Process of E-waste Recycling

Recycling electronics is an often challenging activity. This is because e-scraps are typically
sophisticated and manufactured from diverse elements such as metals, plastics, and glass. While
this process often varies, there is a general process. So, here is what you need to know.

24
Step 1: Collecting and Transporting

This is the first stage of recycling e-waste. Here, recyclers place take-back booths or collection
bins in specific places. When these bins get filled, the recyclers then transport the e-wastes to
recycling facilities and plants.

Step 2: Shredding and Sorting

After collecting and transporting, the next step is to shred and sort the e-waste. The success of
subsequent separation relies on shredding. And this is why efficiency is essential at this stage.

Shredding involves breaking e-waste into smaller pieces for proper sorting. With the use of
hands, these tiny prices get sorted and then manually dismantled. This is typically labor-intensive
as waste items are, at this stage, separated to retrieve different parts.

After this, the materials get categorized into core materials and components. Then, these items
get sorted into various categories. Typically, these category includes items that you can re-use as
they are and those that require further recycling processes.

In any case, e-wastes are often manually sorted, while compounds such as fluorescent light,
batteries, UPS batteries, and toner cartridges should not be crushed or shredded by hand.

Step 3: Dust Extraction

The tiny waste particles get smoothly spread via a shaking process on the conveyor belt. The
smoothly spread e-waste pieces then get broken down even further. At this point, the dust gets
extracted and discarded in an environmentally compliant manner. This way, there is no
environmental degradation.

Step 4: Magnetic Separation

After this, a strong overhead magnet helps you separate steel and iron from other wastes. This
way, you have successfully recycled the steel from the waste stream.

However, some mechanical processes may sometimes be required to separate circuit board,
copper, and aluminum from other wastes particles. And this is especially where they are mostly
plastic.
25
Step 5: Water Separation

After this, water separation tech becomes relevant to separate the glass from the plastic. You can
then send leads that contain glass to smelters to use in the production of batteries, x-ray tubes,
and new CRTs.

Step 6: Purification of Waste Stream

The next thing is locating and extracting leftover metals from plastics to purify the waste stream
further.

Step 7: Preparing Recycled Materials For Sale

The final stage is preparing recycled materials for sale. Here, the materials separated during SSS
get prepared for sale as raw materials to produce new electronics.

26
 CHAPTER-9

FLOW CHART

Fig 9.1: Life of Electronics

Fig 9.2: E-waste Process

27
 CHAPTER-10

APPLICATIONS
Objective & Applications:

To enable the recovery and/or reuse of useful material from Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE), thereby reducing the hazardous wastes destined for disposal and to ensure
environmentally sound management of all types of WEEE.

These rules may be called the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016.

They shall come into force from the 1st day of October, 2016.

Apply to every manufacturer, producer, consumer, bulk consumer, collection centres, dealers, e-
retailer, refurbisher, dismantler and recycler involved in manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase,
collection, storage and processing of e-waste or electrical and electronic equipment listed in
Schedule I, including their components, consumables, parts and spares which make the product
operational but shall not apply to-

(a) used lead acid batteries as covered under the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules,
2001 made under the Act,

(b) micro enterprises as defined in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act,
2006 (27 of 2006); and 2

(c) radio-active wastes as covered under the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (33 of
1962) and rules made there under.

28
 CHAPTER-11

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.

29
 FUTURE SCOPE

1.E-waste Recycling Helps to Conserve Available Natural Resources

E-waste recycling helps recover valuable materials from electronic products that are either old or
no longer used. In turn, this saves and conserves natural resources.

This is because manufacturers can now obtain raw materials from recycled waste. Consequently,
there is less need to go to earth for raw materials.

So, yes, there is less need to get copper or lead or metal from mother nature. You will need to
remember that these materials are not inexhaustible to realize how much good this represents.

2. It Prioritizes Environmental Protection

As you may have observed from the processes explained above, e-waste recycling prioritizes
environmental protection. It seeks to prioritize properly handling, processing and managing
hazardous and toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. All substances you may
find in your e-waste stream.

As you have read, as one of the sub-steps of e-waste processing, any dust sorted from shredded
particles must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. This way, the hazards that
these elements usually pose to our environment get substantially reduced, thanks to e-waste
recycling.

3. Creates Jobs

E-waste recycling is creating new jobs for persons such as professional recyclers. What’s more is
that, by so doing, it has created a secondary market where recycled materials are the primary
commodity.

The Environmental Protection Agency released findings that show the magnitude of economic
benefits that comes from e-waste recycling. Guess what. This even beats the results derived at
the REI Study earlier in 2016.

30
4. Saves Landfills and Reduces Global Warming

Usually, uncollected e-wastes get dumped at incinerators and landfills. By recycling e-waste, we
are reducing the amount of e-wastes pilling up at these places.

This is because two-thirds of waste on landfills are biodegradable and capable of breaking down
and returning to their natural elements. As these wastes break down and decompose, they
produce harmful gases (Methane and CO2) – greenhouse gases – which heavily contribute to
global warming.

Since landfills also pollute the water and soil in our local environment, activities like e-waste
recycling, which seek to reduce these environmental concerns are not merely beneficial, but also
life-saving.

31
 REFERENCES

1. Cleaning Up Electronic Waste (E-Waste) | US EPA. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2022].
2. E waste management - SlideShare. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2022].
3. E-waste - ITU. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2022].
4. E-waste Management - Alankit. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2022].
5. E-Waste Management - ERNET. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2022].
6. E-waste Management - faberindia. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2022].
7. E-Waste Management in India: Challenges and Opportunities .... [online] Available at:
[Accessed 2022].
8. E-Waste Management Market is Expected To Grow At A CAGR Of .... [online] Available at:
[Accessed 2022].
9. E-Waste Management – Techsquare. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2022].
10. E-Waste management, recycling, disposal, facts, problems .... [online] Available at:
[Accessed 2022]. 11. E-waste: Environmental Problems and Current Management. [online]
Available at: [Accessed 2022]. 12. Electronic Waste - E-waste Management Rules, Integrated E
.... [online] Available at: [Accessed 2022].
13. Electronic waste - Wikipedia. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2022].
14. Electronics Recycling | Waste Management. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2022].
15. The Global E-waste Monitor 2020 – ITU: < https://www.itu.int/myitu/-
/media/Publications/2020- Publications/EN---Global-E-waste-Monitor-2020.pdf

32
33