E waste, effect and their management

Editor's Notes

• #3: Today’s electronic gadgets, tomorrow’s electronic waste. Total no. of pc users in india is over 80 million. India has 554.8 million mobile users. These users actively use 643.4 million sims actively. 3000 pc, 8500 mobile, 5500 tv sets are dismental in delhi everyday.
• #6: E-waste, also known as electronic waste is one of the fastest growing types of waste in the country. E-waste can consist of a variety of different materials and includes all of the old electronics that are no longer used. These old electronics are thrown away when there is no longer any use for them and they end up in landfills. This can be dangerous because hazardous materials that are in electronics can seep out and enter into the soil. Eventually, these hazardous materials can even enter into water sources where they can negatively impact humans which is why it’s important to know how to recycle e-waste. E-waste essentially consists of any old piece of electronic equipment that is no longer used. It spans from electronic equipment such as computer monitors, computer chips, computer keyboards, wires, and video cameras to household items such as old vacuums, irons, telephones, electric shavers, electric radiators, and electric fans. Other types of e-waste include televisions, cell phones, cell phone chargers, speakers, and CD/DVD players. When all of these products add up, the amount of e-waste that is collected in landfills nationwide is staggering. Many times there is no longer any room to put the e-waste in landfills and so the e-waste is shipped to other countries. One way that we can reduce the amount of e-waste in landfills is by recycling. There are many reasons why consumers should recycle e-waste. One reason is that it lowers the amount of waste that is being thrown in landfills. In addition, it also ensures that hazardous materials are being dealt with in a safe manner that will not bring any damage to the environment. A final reason to recycle is that electronics have trace amounts of precious metals in them such as gold and nickel. When you recycle, these trace amounts of metals are gathered, resulting in huge amounts of these elements. This reduces the strain of these limited resources and means that less mining needs to take place. Overall, recycling helps the environment and helps to keep us safe as well. There are many organizations that are certified recycling centers. Be sure to drop off your e-waste at a certified center near you. You can also request a quote to see how much it costs to have your e-waste picked up.
• #8: 1) Computer wastes that are land filled produces contaminated leachates which eventually pollute the groundwater.
• #9: 2) Acids and sludge obtained from melting computer chips, if disposed on the ground causes acidification of soil.
• #10: 3) Incineration of e-wastes can emit toxic fumes and gases, thereby polluting the surrounding air
• #13: Used in CRT screens Drained lead Batteries Printed wiring boards inside computers Damage to centraland peripheral nervous systems, blood systems and kidney damage Affects brain development of children.
• #14: Used in… Motherboards Ill effects.. lung cancer Inhalation of fumes and dust. Causes chronic beryllium disease or beryllicosis Skin diseases such as warts
• #15: Used in… Fluorescent lamps LCD display screens with fluorescent lighting Mercury-wetted switches and some alkaline batteries. Ill effects… Chronic damage to the brain. Respiratory and skin disorders due to bioaccumulation in fishes.
• #16: Used in… Rechargeable batteries Printer inks and toners Photocopying machines Ill effects… Accumulates in kidney. Causes neural damage.
• #17: Used in… Spark-plug electrodes and in vacuum tubes as drying and oxygen-removing agents. Fluorescent lamps To make paint, bricks, tiles, glass and rubber Ill effects… Muscle weakness Damage to heart, liver and spleen
• #19: Refurbishment is the distribution of products usually electronics and electricals that have been previously returned to a manufacturer or vendor for various reasons. Refurbished products are normally tested for functionality and defects before they are sold. It is repaired from manufacturer and resold
• #22: If electronics are refurbished, they can be sold again at a lower price. Thus, both the society and environment will benefit. Instead of simply dumping your old TV into the garbage bin, you might want to think about calling the vendor and ask him where to present the item for refurbishing. If you cannot find, consider donating the item to some charity that can either use it as such or get it repaired and use it. I do not think it is a practice well implemented, but it would be nice if all vendors provide a refurbishing facility