Electronic Waste: Growing at its Peak!

Electronic waste (e-waste) comprises of waste electronic goods which are not fit for their originally intended use. These range from computers, entertainment electronics, mobile phones, household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioner, personal stereos, etc. 

There will be soon be about 1 kg e-waste per capita.

Composition of e-waste is very diverse and differs in products across different categories. It contains more than 1000 different substances, which fall under “hazardous” and “non-hazardous” categories. Broadly, it consists of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, glass, wood & plywood, printed circuit boards, concrete and ceramics, rubber and other items. Iron and steel constitutes about 50% of the e-waste followed by plastics (21%), non ferrous metals (13%) and other constituents. Non-ferrous metals consist of metals like copper, aluminium and precious metals ex. silver, gold, platinum, palladium etc. The presence of elements like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, and hexavalent chromium and flame retardants beyond threshold quantities in e-waste classifies them as hazardous waste.

1. Radioactive substances, refractory ceramic fibers, electrolyte capacitors (over L/D 25 mm), textile and magnetron are not present in any item.
2. Plastic, circuit board and external electric cables are present in majority of items. BFR containing plastic is present in refrigerator, laptop and television.
3. Refrigerators are unique items because of presence of CFC/HCFC/HFC/HC, cooling, insulation, incandescent lamp and compressor.
4. Heating element is found in washing machine, while thermostat is found in both refrigerator and washing machine.
5. Fluorescent lamp is found only in laptop.
6. Metal and motor are found in majority of items except refrigerator
7. Transformer is not found in washing machine and refrigerator
8. CRT is found in personal computer and TV, while LCD is found in PC and TV
9. Batteries are found in PC and laptop
10. Concrete is found in washing machine.
11. Rubber is found in refrigerator and washing machine
12. Wiring/ Electrical is found in all the items.

Obsolescence Rate:

• Computer 7 years
• Television 15 years
• Refrigerator 15 years
• Washing Machine 15 years

E waste main sources:

• Imports / Dumping from other parts of the world
• Govt., public and private sector discards (over 70%);
• PC retailers, manufacturers;
• Secondary market of old PCs; and
• Individual Households.

Problems / Challenges:

• Legal framework, proper collection system missing.
•  Imports regularly coming to the recycling markets.
• Assessment of current scenario
• Projection for next 10 years
• Environmentally sound technology and methods of recycling and recovery.
• Inhuman working conditions for recycling

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