Electronic waste or e-waste is a term used to describe discarded electronic devices that are no longer in use. The rapid advancement in technology has led to the proliferation of electronic devices in our everyday life and as a result, the production of e-waste has also increased exponentially.
According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020 report, India generated around 3.2 million tonnes of e-waste in 2019 and this number is expected to increase to 5.2 million tonnes by 2025. With the growing concern over the environmental impact of e-waste, it is crucial to understand the various e-waste disposal methods available in India.
What is e-waste?
E-waste or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices that are no longer in use, including computers, mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators and other household appliances. E-waste contains a variety of materials, including hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium and mercury, which can pose a threat to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. With the rapid advancement of technology and the proliferation of electronic devices, e-waste has become a growing concern globally.
Importance of Disposing of e-waste
Proper disposal of e-waste is crucial for several reasons:
Environmental protection
Electronic devices contain hazardous substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium that can leach into the soil and groundwater if not disposed of properly. These substances can pollute the environment, harm wildlife and plants and eventually enter the food chain, causing long-term damage to ecosystems.
Human health
Exposure to hazardous substances found in e-waste can lead to severe health problems, including cancer, birth defects and neurological damage. Workers involved in the informal recycling of e-waste, which is common in many countries, are particularly vulnerable to these health risks.
Resource conservation
Recycling e-waste can help conserve valuable resources such as copper, silver and gold. These resources are scarce and non-renewable and mining them can have a significant environmental impact. By recycling e-waste, we can reduce the need for new mining activities and preserve natural resources.
Economic benefits
Recycling e-waste can also provide economic benefits by creating jobs in the recycling and refurbishment industry. It can also reduce the cost of producing new electronic devices by providing manufacturers with recycled materials, ultimately reducing the price of these products for consumers.
Burden of e-waste
With the rise of e-waste in India, managing solid trash has become a challenging task. In 2005, 1,46,000 tonnes of garbage from damaged or obsolete electronic and electrical equipment were predicted to have been produced; by 2012, this amount is anticipated to approach 8,00,000 tonnes. However, the Greenpeace Report states that India produced 380,000 tonnes of e-waste in 2007. Only 3% of this made it to the facilities of the authorised recyclers. This is due, in part, to the fact that many industrialised nations now dump their waste in India. According to a research by the Basel Action Network (BAN), 50–80% of the e-waste that the United States collects is sold to India, China, Pakistan, Taiwan and several African nations.
India is one of the world's fastest expanding economies and the country's domestic demand for durable goods has been soaring. Worldwide sales of domestic appliances, both big and small, increased by 53.1% between 1998 and 2002. According to a different report, businesses and households in India throw away 1.38 million personal computers annually, which accelerates the 10%-per-year pace of e-waste generation and has an impact on environmental health indices.
E-waste disposal methods available in India
E-waste can be disposed in the following ways:
Landfills
One of the most common e-waste disposal methods in India is landfilling. Landfills are large areas of land where waste is dumped and left to decompose naturally over time. However, this method is not effective for e-waste disposal, as electronic devices contain toxic substances such as lead, cadmium and mercury that can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater. Landfilling also takes up a significant amount of space and can lead to air pollution, making it an unsustainable method of e-waste disposal.
Incineration
Incineration is another e-waste disposal method used in India. It involves burning the waste at high temperatures, which reduces the volume of the waste and minimises the space required for disposal. However, incineration can release toxic substances such as dioxins and furans into the air, which can harm human health and the environment. Furthermore, incineration requires a large amount of energy, making it an expensive method of e-waste disposal.
Recycling
Recycling is the most sustainable and effective e-waste disposal method in India. It involves disassembling electronic devices and recovering valuable materials such as gold, silver, copper and plastic, which can be reused in the production of new electronic devices. Recycling e-waste also reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserves natural resources. However, recycling requires specialised equipment and skilled labour, making it a costly method of e-waste disposal.
Donating
Donating electronic devices to charitable organisations or schools is another e-waste disposal method that can benefit society. Electronic devices that are still in good working condition can be repurposed and used by those in need, reducing the demand for new electronic devices and conserving natural resources. However, it is important to ensure that the devices are securely wiped of any personal data before donating them.
Take-back programs
Take-back programs are another e-waste disposal method used by electronic manufacturers in India. These programs involve manufacturers taking back their electronic devices from consumers and recycling or disposing of them in an environmentally responsible manner. Take-back programs not only reduce the amount of e-waste sent to landfills but also encourage electronic manufacturers to design more sustainable and recyclable products.
Conclusion
E-waste is a growing concern in India and it is crucial to adopt sustainable and environmentally responsible e-waste disposal methods. Landfilling and incineration are unsustainable methods that harm the environment and human health.
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