E waste

The term "e-waste" is an abbreviation of "electronic and electrical waste". A key part of the definition is the word "waste" and what it logically implies – that the item has no further use and is rejected as useless or excess to the owner in its current condition.

E-waste includes almost any household or business item containing circuitry or electrical components with either power or battery supply. Although e-waste is a general term, it can be considered to denote items such as TV appliances, computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, white goods - for example, fridges, washing machines, dryers - home entertainment and stereo systems, toys, toasters and kettles.

Therefore, "E-Waste is a term used to cover items of all types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by the owner as waste without the intention of re-use."

E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams

The Global E-waste Monitor 2017 shows that e-waste has grown to 44.7 million metric tonnes annually. But only 20% of the e-waste generated is documented to be collected and recycled. The fate of 76% (34.1 million metric tonnes) is unknown, but likely dumped, traded or recycled under inferior conditions. Much e-waste also remains in the sheds, attics and storage rooms of its owners or gets disposed of with the normal household bin.

E-Waste is growing exponentially because global consumer demand continues to increase. Moreover, technology uptake and shorter replacement cycles are contributing to the growth of e-waste.

As many parts of our expanding world cross over to the other side of the ‘Digital Divide’, the contemporary consumer demands the means to enjoy an easier more comfortable lifestyle. But that very understandable demand creates a downstream problem of safe disposability.

The Dangers of E-waste:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health risks may result from direct contact with toxic materials that leach from e-waste. These include minerals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, brominated flame retardants, or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Danger can come from inhalation of the toxic fumes, as well as from the accumulation of chemicals in soil, water, and food. This puts not just people in danger but land and sea animals as well. In developing countries, the risks are exceptionally high because some developed countries send their e-waste there. Studies have shown this global e-waste has detrimental effects on the people that work with the e-waste but also the people that live around it. Because of this, a proper recycling process needs to be put in place to protect us and future generations.