Environmentally sound management of e-wastes

摘要

Rapid technology change, low initial cost and with planned obsolescence have resulted in a fastgrowing surplus of electronic waste around the globe. E-wastes are considered dangerous, as certain components of some electronic products contain materialsthat are hazardous, depending on their condition and density. E-waste contains hazardous constituents that may negatively impact the environment and affect human health. Discarded computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, fax machines, electric lamps, cell phones, audio equipment and batteries if improperly disposed can leach lead and other substances into soil and groundwater. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled in an environmentally sound manner so that they are lessharmful to the ecosystem. This paper gives insight into sources and types of e-waste, the hazards of e-wastes and the need for its appropriate and efficient management and options that can be implemented to minimize their menace. It is felt that in the developing countries, extended producer responsibility (EPR) has become a necessity in view of trans-boundary movement of e-waste as well lack of state-of-the-art disposal and recycling technologies. Further, appropriate legislations (internationalational) in dealing with e-waste dumping, transfer of technology and incentives for sound and environmentally benign management of e-waste must be followed for tackling long term environmental risks and health hazards.