Why Does Jharkhand Need To Talk More About E-Waste?

Introduction

The widespread adoption of modern technology in recent decades has significantly increased electrical and electronic equipment use worldwide. While this has led to improvements in communication and business activities, it has also resulted in a new type of waste i.e. Electronic Waste (E-waste). E-waste refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices and their parts that are thrown away without the intention to reuse. This waste stream is also known as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), electronic waste, or e-scrap. It includes a wide range of products such as laptops, mobile phones, refrigerators, televisions, and many other wired and non-wired equipment that often go unnoticed due to their nature or appearance. According to the UN, e-waste is any discarded product with a battery or plug. It features toxic and hazardous substances such as mercury that can pose severe risks to human and environmental health. E-waste is a rapidly growing and complex waste stream that can have adverse effects on human health and the environment, leading to a loss of valuable raw materials. It is important to ensure that these products are included in the electronics recycling stream when they can no longer be reused or repaired.

The increasing number of technology-oriented products in the market has contributed to the rise in e-waste. Household objects such as electric and electronic toys, e-cigarettes, power tools, smoke detectors, wearable health devices, smart home gadgets, e-bikes, e-scooters, and even cables are all examples of invisible e-waste that must be properly disposed of. E-waste, electronic waste, e-scrap, and end-of-life electronics are terms often used to describe used electronics that are nearing the end of their useful life and are discarded, donated, or given to a recycler. It is crucial to take action and properly dispose of e-waste to minimize its impact on the environment and human health.

E-waste is composed of both hazardous and non-hazardous materials, including toxic substances like Cd, Cr, Hg, As, Pb, Se, radioactive elements, halogenated compounds, plastics, glass, ceramics, rubber, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and precious metals like Au, Ag, and Pt. E-waste generation is estimated to be between 20-50 million tonnes globally and an expected growth of 33%. E-waste management is a major issue for both developed and developing countries. Furthermore, improper disposal and recycling of E-waste can result in severe environmental and health consequences due to exposure to toxic substances and emissions. 

Implications to Health, Environment and Circularity

Toxic additives and hazardous substances like mercury, brominated flame retardants (BFR), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are present in many types of electronic waste (e-waste). If not managed properly, such waste can pose a serious threat to both human health and the environment. Roughly 50 tonnes of mercury and 71 kt(kilotons) of BFR plastics can be found in undocumented e-waste flows, which can adversely impact the health of workers and the environment. Further, E-waste is a major concern as it is not biodegradable and contains toxic materials that can accumulate in the environment. Improper handling of e-waste can expose workers to high levels of contaminants, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, which can lead to irreversible health effects. A report published in 2019 recommends a new vision for e-waste based on the circular economy concept, which aims to minimize waste and energy leakage. The report highlights how the improper handling of e-waste results in a significant loss of scarce and valuable raw materials, including precious metals such as neodymium and cobalt, which are crucial for the production of laptops, smartphones, and electric car batteries. Recycling these metals is not only more energy-efficient but also produces 80% less emissions of carbon dioxide compared to mining them from the ground. This highlights the need for sustainable management practices for E-waste.

Global overview of E-waste

The amount of E-Waste generated worldwide is a growing concern that requires attention. According to the UN, in 2021, each person on the planet is producing, on average, 7.6 kg of e-waste, resulting in a massive 57.4 million tons of electronic waste. Only 17.4% of this waste is collected, treated, and recycled properly. E-waste contains harmful substances and precious materials, making proper disposal and recycling essential for environmental and human health. Initiatives are underway to tackle this issue, but consumers play a critical role in ensuring effective e-waste management. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has also highlighted that e-waste is one of the largest and most complex waste streams globally. According to the 59.4 million metric tons of e-waste generated in 2022, the ratio will increase by 1.5 times by 2030 when compared with the data from 2010. Efficient material recovery and safe recycling of e-waste are necessary for economic value and environmental sustainability. Currently, less than 1% of the world’s electronic waste is recycled, and the recycling rates of some essential raw materials and valuable metals are also below acceptable levels. This underlines the need for better collection and recycling collection and collection rates as well as for innovative ways to recycle electronic waste and recover valuable resources.