Category: OEC

U21OCE08 E – WASTE MANAGEMENT L T P J C

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UNIT I INTRODUCTION

E-Waste – Definition, Types of waste, E waste hazardous properties; Indian and global
scenario of e-Waste; Growth of Electrical and Electronics industry in India; E-waste
generation in India, Composition of e-waste, Possible hazardous substances present in e-
waste; Occupational, Environmental and Health implications.

E-Waste – Definition, Types of waste, E waste hazardous properties

Definition:
E-Waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices and equipment. This
category encompasses a wide range of items, from old computers and smartphones to
refrigerators and televisions. E-Waste is characterized by its potential environmental and
health hazards due to the presence of toxic substances.

Types of E-Waste:

 Large Appliances: This category includes items like refrigerators, washing machines,
and air conditioners.

 Small Appliances: Examples include toasters, blenders, and vacuum cleaners.

 IT and Telecommunication Equipment: Computers, laptops, printers, and

communication devices fall into this category.

 Consumer Electronics: Devices such as TVs, cameras, and audio equipment.

 Lighting Equipment: Fluorescent bulbs, LED bulbs, and other lighting products.

 Electrical and Electronic Tools: Power drills, saws, and other power tools.

 Toys, Leisure, and Sports Equipment: Electronic toys, gaming consoles, and fitness
trackers.

 Medical Devices: Equipment used in healthcare, including monitoring devices.

 Monitoring and Control Instruments: Devices used for measurement and control,
such as thermostats and smoke detectors.
  Automatic Dispensers: Vending machines and ATMs fall under this category.

Hazardous Properties of E-Waste:

E-Waste is hazardous due to the presence of various materials that can pose environmental
and health risks. Some of the key hazardous properties include:

Toxic Chemicals: Many electronic devices contain hazardous materials such as lead,
mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. These substances can contaminate
soil and water when not properly disposed of.

Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, and cadmium are heavy metals commonly found in electronic
devices. These metals can accumulate in the environment, causing soil and water pollution
and posing health risks to humans and wildlife.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Some electronic components contain POPs, which
are organic compounds that resist degradation over time. POPs can accumulate in the
environment and have harmful effects on ecosystems and human health.

Carcinogens: Certain electronic components may contain substances known to be

carcinogenic, contributing to long-term health risks for those exposed to them.

Electronic Waste Fires: Improper handling of E-Waste, including burning, can release toxic
fumes into the air, posing risks to both the environment and human health.

Proper management and recycling of E-Waste are crucial to minimize the impact of these
hazardous properties. Recycling helps recover valuable materials and prevents the release
of harmful substances into the environment, promoting a more sustainable approach to
handling electronic waste.

Indian and global scenario of e-Waste

https://www.currentaffairsreview.com/the-scenario-of-e-waste-management-in-
india/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
265226585_GLOBAL_CHALLENGES_IN_E-
WASTE_MANAGEMENT_INDIAN_SCENARIO
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20151189/

Indian Scenario of E-Waste:

India has witnessed a significant increase in electronic waste generation due to rapid
technological advancements and increasing consumerism. The country faces various
challenges in managing e-waste effectively. Here are some key aspects of the Indian
scenario:
E-Waste Generation: India is one of the largest producers of electronic waste globally. The
rapid growth in the use of electronic devices, coupled with a short lifespan of gadgets,
contributes to a substantial amount of e-waste.

Informal Recycling Sector: A significant portion of e-waste in India is processed through the
informal sector, involving small-scale recyclers and waste pickers. While this sector plays a
role in resource recovery, it often lacks proper infrastructure and environmental safeguards,
leading to health and environmental concerns.

Regulatory Framework: India has implemented regulations to address e-waste management.

The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, lay down guidelines for the collection,
segregation, and environmentally sound disposal of e-waste. Producers, consumers, and
recyclers are expected to adhere to these rules.

Challenges: Challenges in e-waste management in India include a lack of awareness,

inadequate infrastructure for collection and recycling, and the presence of hazardous
substances in e-waste that pose health risks to workers in the informal sector.

Government Initiatives: The Indian government has initiated various programs to address e-
waste issues. These include awareness campaigns, capacity building, and efforts to
integrate the informal sector into the formal waste management system.

Global Scenario of E-Waste:

Globally, e-waste has become a major environmental and health concern. Some key
aspects of the global scenario include:

Rising E-Waste Generation: The world generates a massive amount of e-waste annually.
The United Nations University (UNU) estimates that the global volume of e-waste reached
53.6 million metric tons in 2019.

International Regulations: Several international agreements and initiatives aim to address

the challenges of e-waste globally. The Basel Convention, for example, regulates the
transboundary movement of hazardous waste, including e-waste, to prevent its illegal
dumping.

Resource Recovery: E-Waste contains valuable resources like precious metals, which can
be recovered through proper recycling processes. Circular economy concepts encourage the
sustainable use of resources and the recycling of e-waste to reduce environmental impact.

Environmental and Health Impacts: Improper disposal and processing of e-waste can lead to
environmental pollution and pose health risks to communities. Informal recycling practices in
some regions may contribute to soil and water contamination.

Corporate Responsibility: Many global electronics manufacturers and retailers are

increasingly recognizing their responsibility in managing the life cycle of their products.
Some companies participate in take-back programs and support environmentally responsible
disposal and recycling of their electronic products.

Addressing the e-waste challenge globally requires collaboration between governments,

businesses, and consumers to establish effective recycling systems, promote sustainable
product design, and raise awareness about responsible disposal practices.