Showing papers on "Electronic waste published in 2008"

Overview of electronic waste (e-waste) management practices and legislations, and their poor applications in the developing countries

Abstract: The developing countries are facing huge challenges in the management of electronic waste (e-waste) which are either internally generated or imported illegally as ‘used’ goods in an attempt to bridge the so-called ‘digital divide’. E-waste contains hazardous constituents that may negatively impact the environment and affect human health if not properly managed. In these countries, because of lack of adequate infrastructure to manage wastes safely, these wastes are buried, burnt in the open air or dumped into surface water bodies. Crude ‘backyard’ recycling practices, which are not efficient and are highly polluting are also used in material recovery activities. Most developed countries have in place legislation mandating electronic manufacturers and importers to take-back used electronic products at their end-of-life (EoL) based on the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR). In this paper, we review the concept of EPR, and discuss selected frameworks. The aim has been to find a mid point for the implementation of even an ‘abridged’ form of EPR in the developing countries. Implementation of EPR in the developing countries has become necessary in the light of the present high level of trans-boundary movement of e-waste into the developing countries and the lack of basic or state-of-the-art recycling and waste disposal facilities. Change in attitude by governments, appropriate legislation dealing specifically with e-waste, control of electronic waste dumping, implementation of EPR and transfer of technology on sound recycling of e-waste are the key issues in effective management of e-waste in developing countries.

An analysis of some environmental consequences of European electrical and electronic waste regulation

Abstract: In recent years, new European Directives have been issued to ensure that Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is treated in as environmentally friendly a way as possible. These new European laws call for the creation of new logistics networks to collect all such waste. The purpose of this paper is to show that, under certain circumstances, the environmental impact of these networks could be even higher than the impact of non-collection. Different appliances were analysed (washing machines, refrigerators, TV sets and personal computers) in order to test this hypothesis. The methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was applied, highlighting especially the final phase of product life and calculating the threshold beyond which collection is harmful for each type of equipment. The results demonstrate that, depending on the distance travelled to pick up the domestic appliances, recycling is not as environmental friendly as expected, especially when it comes to the impact of fossil fuels or respiratory inorganics (winter smog). This work can be a useful tool for manufacturers (now forced to take back all the equipment after use for subsequent treatment) when designing their new recycling networks from an environmental perspective.

E-waste hazard: The impending challenge.

Abstract: Electronic waste or e-waste is one of the rapidly growing problems of the world. E-waste comprises of a multitude of components, some containing toxic substances that can have an adverse impact on human health and the environment if not handled properly. In India, e-waste management assumes greater significance not only due to the generation of its own e-waste but also because of the dumping of e-waste from developed countries. This is coupled with India's lack of appropriate infrastructure and procedures for its disposal and recycling. This review article provides a concise overview of India's current e-waste scenario, namely magnitude of the problem, environmental and health hazards, current disposal and recycling operations, existing legal framework, organizations working on this issue and recommendations for action.

Impact of electronic waste disposal on lead concentrations in landfill leachate.

Abstract: Lead is the element most likely to cause discarded electronic devices to be characterized as hazardous waste. To examine the fate of lead from discarded electronics in landfills, five columns were ...

Recycling of Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) in electronic waste

Abstract: The management of used electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) or e-waste is a significant problem worldwide due to rapid uptake of the technology and early obsolescence of EEE. Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) from used televisions and computer monitors represent a major e-waste problem as they consist of glass with different compositions. The front panel is a lead-free barium-strontium glass whereas parts such as the funnel hidden inside are composed of glass with lead oxides. Regulations require the glass from waste CRTs to be recycled or re-utilized. Closed-loop recycling and open-loop recycling are two principal ways of recycling CRT glass. The aim of this paper is to examine the technical characteristics and composition of the CRTs, its generation, environmental impacts and related regulatory requirements and to review the current technologies and their limitations for recycling CRT glass and its end use.

Electronic waste: The local government perspective in Queensland, Australia

Abstract: The term e-waste is unilaterally used to describe both electronic and electrical wastes, that is, any items which rely on an electric current or electromagnetic fields in order to operate and contain a hard-drive or significant electronic components and/or a printed circuit board According to UNEP, waste from electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) is becoming a significant component of the waste stream, increasing at a rate of 3–5% per annum, outstripping the general growth of the municipal waste stream The advances in both hardware and software leading to rapid obsolescence have fuelled this growth This means that electronic and electrical wastes are a significant proportion of the Local Government's waste management role and budget Increasingly, smaller and cheaper electronic items are being all too easily disposed of in municipal waste systems and this, coupled with an increase in the number of, and turnover of manufacturers and suppliers to the market, may see Local Governments assuming a key role in the future of e-waste management A survey of local Councils within Queensland was undertaken in order to determine the current level of understanding and action on e-waste, and to solicit key responses regarding the identification of areas where improvements could be made For example, the rationalisation of preferred initiatives for future legislative and funding mechanisms The survey achieved a response rate of 23%, which accounted for 74% of Queensland's population due to the spatial distribution of inhabitants to the major cities and coastal communities Survey results identified key barriers experienced by Councils regarding the collection and treatment of e-wastes as being cost and geographical distances between source of generation (households) and the limited number of specialist reprocessors The survey was endorsed by the Local Government Associations of Queensland and Central Queensland who aided the promotion of the survey, which was hosted on the Griffith University e-waste web page ( wwwgriffitheduau/ewaste )

Sound management of brominated flame retarded (BFR) plastics from electronic wastes : State of the art and options in Nigeria

Abstract: Management of flame retarded plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has been posing a major challenge to waste management experts because of the potential environmental contamination issues especially the formation of polybrominated-dioxins and -furans (PBDD/F) during processing. In Nigeria, large quantities of electronic waste (e-waste) are currently being managed—a significant quantity of which is imported illegally as secondhand electronics. As much as 75% of these illegal imports are never reused but are rather discarded. These waste electronic devices are mostly older equipment that contains brominated flame retardants (BFRs) such as penta-brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) which are presently banned in Europe under the EU WEEE and RoHS Directives. Risk assessment studies found both to be persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic. The present management practices for waste plastics from WEEE in Nigeria, such as open burning and disposal at open dumps, creates potential for serious environmental pollution. This paper reviews the options in the environmentally sound management of waste plastics from electronic wastes. Options available include mechanical recycling, reprocessing into chemicals (chemical feedstock recycling) and energy recovery. The Creasolv® and Centrevap® processes, which are the outcome of the extensive research at achieving sound management of waste plastics from WEEE in Europe, are also reviewed. These are solvent-based methods of removing BFRs and they presently offer the best commercial and environmental option in the sound management of waste BFR-containing plastics. Because these developments have not been commercialized, WEEE and WEEE plastics are still being exported to developing countries. The industrial application of these processes and the development of eco-friendlier alternative flame retardants will help assure sound management of WEEE plastics.

Electronic Waste Management

Abstract: Introduction and Overview Chapter 1: Materials Used in Manufacturing Electrical and Electronic Products Chapter 2: Dumping, Burning and Landfill Chapter 3: Recycling and Recovery Chapter 4: Integrated Approach to e-Waste Recycling Chapter 5: European Recycling Platform (ERP): a Pan-European Solution to WEEE Compliance Chapter 6: Liquid Crystal Displays: from Devices to Recycling Chapter 7: The Role of Collective versus Individual Producer Responsibility in e-Waste Management: Key Learnings from Around the World Chapter 8: New Developments in the Rapid Qualification of Engineering Thermoplastics

End-of-life management of cell phones in the United States

Abstract: Cell phones are a unique niche in the electronic waste stream not only because of their high rate of replacement by consumers, but also because they have viable reuse and recycling markets. The main objective of this research is to recommend end-of-life (EoL) management schemes for cell phones in the United States. The research focused on the EoL markets for cell phones, and examined the different economic and environmental outcomes of various management schemes. The authors considered three options: reuse of phones, reuse of parts, and recycling of materials.

Charging Up the Batteries: Squeezing More Capacity and Power into the New EU Battery Directive

Abstract: The pace of technological change with computers is creating a problematic scenario on what to do with the growing amount of electronic waste. E-junk is the fastest growing waste stream and the threat from spent batteries is growing as the volume in landfills grows. Batteries contain heavy metals or potentially toxic substances which pose dangers to human health and the environment. Environmentalists fear a critical contamination of soil and ground water from discarded batteries. To avoid this problematic scenario, a few companies under pressure from environmentalists have slowly begun to reduce or phase out the use of hazardous materials such as cadmium and are including batteries in their company's environmental compliance strategy implementing an end-of-life management. Increasingly, manufacturers are also moving on their own to recycle their products. As the volume of battery-waste continues to grow, solutions for its disposal become increasingly imperative and the management of electronic waste has to be assessed in the broad framework of Product Responsibility and the Precautionary Principle. The European Union has passed the Batteries Directive following the producer responsibility model underpinned by legislation, whereby producers of electronic/electrical products must take responsibility for those products at the end of their life. The law aims to reduce sharply the amount of harmful substances that leak from used batteries when they are dumped with regular trash in landfill. However, without a significant change by the manufacturers and other countries, the battery-waste will continue to grow with all its health and environmental consequences.

Recycling e-Waste: The Sky Is the Limit

Abstract: The world generates about 40 million tons of PCs, cathode-ray tube (CRT) screens, fax machines, game consoles, mobile phones, and other e-waste every year. Barely 20 percent of this highly toxic waste is properly disposed of and recycled. Some e-waste is stripped of precious metal and unusable components are dumped in landfills, poisoning the soil and precious water resources. Unregulated e-waste trade affects a growing section of the population. China, one of the largest processors of e-waste, has exported jewelry containing toxic lead from e-waste. But public pressure to recycle e-waste is having a major impact, and e-waste recycling is now one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.

Research on recovery logistics network of Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment in China

Abstract: Resource exhausting and environment deterioration are factors restricting the development of all countries and they can even threaten the human subsistence. The logos of economizing energy and reducing pollution are accepted by most countries. Scientific recovery of waste electronic and electrical equipments (WEEE) can not only reduce pollutions but also gain quantities of materials including precious metals. In this paper, firstly the status quo of recovery and dealing of WEEE in China and foreign countries are introduced. It is urgent to take some action in WEEE recovery for environment protection. Secondly, WEEE is classified by the source and destination. Thirdly, a sketch of system-of-systems of WEEE recovery logistics based on Chinese national condition is described. Lastly, the paper relates some encouragement and punishment measures for WEEE recovery and pollution reducing.

End-of-life implications of electronic textiles - Assessment of a converging technology

Abstract: Contemporary innovation in the converging technology sectors of electronics and textile aims at augmenting functionality of textiles, making them “smart”. That is, integrating electronic functions such as sensing, data processing, and networking into wearable products. Embedding electronic devices into textiles results in a novel category of products: electronic textiles (e-textiles). Whereas researchers and innovators are pushing forward technological development little attention has been paid to the end-of-life implications of such future products. E-textiles may not only entail promising business opportunities but also adverse environmental impacts. This study examines potential end-of-life implications, which could emerge once future e-textiles are disposed of. Using the methodological framework of technology assessment an overview of current innovation processes for e-textiles is established and an outlook on future applications areas is provided. Further, information on technologies and materials composition of e-textiles is mapped as a basis for assessing the prospective implications at the end of their useful life. The findings suggest that widespread application of e-textiles could result in the emergence of a new waste stream. There are various parallels to electronic waste, which causes profound environmental problems nowadays. Risks include potential release of toxic substances during the disposal phase. And, loss of scarce materials is to be expected if no recycling takes place. This would accelerate the depletion of resources. Recycling of textile integrated electronic devices will be difficult. From the analysis it can be deduced that today’s schemes for takeback, recycling and disposal would not be sufficient to cope with waste e-textiles in an environmentally benign manner. Instead, discarded e-textiles would find their way into solid waste and increase the existing environmental problems of waste disposal. The study concludes with recommendations for policy makers and technology developers on how a waste preventative technology design could be achieved.

Modeling the economic and environmental performance of recycling systems

Abstract: A general model for evaluating the economic and environmental performance of electronics recycling systems is developed. This model comprehends the three main functions in a recycling system - collection, processing, and system management - and aims to enable quantification of the impact of context and system architecture on the performance of electronics recycling systems. Different modeling techniques are used, including process-based cost models, to evaluate economic performance, and life cycle assessment tools, to evaluate environmental performance. A case study, based loosely on Maine, is presented to show the utility of such a model in evaluating electronics recycling systems.

Characterizing architectural options for electronic waste recycling systems

Abstract: Several electronic waste recycling systems now exist worldwide in many different forms In order to determine the optimal system structure for a location, a methodology for comparison must be established This paper outlines a framework developed to compare the environmental and economic performance of recycling systems through analysis of both context and system architecture options An overview of the available architectural options for designing an e-waste system is presented, and then the comparison framework is applied to an analysis of systems operating in Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the US States of California, Maine and Maryland The analysis presented here focuses on the quantity of e-waste collected by each system The results of applying this framework to a collection analysis show that while all systems examined appear to still be increasing their mass collected per capita each year, the mass collected per electronic item at end of life may have reached a plateau in the older systems Furthermore, as a predictor of mass of e-waste collected per capita, the number of collection points available may be significant; however it is not readily apparent whether the number of collection points per capita or per unit area is more significant, nor why some systems appear to be outliers of the otherwise apparent trends

The new process in integrated e-waste management in China

Abstract: China authorities have strived to solve e-waste problems from technical aspects and management policy aspects. This paper mainly introduces current status in quo, analyzes the material flow of waste electric & electronic equipments and recycling technologies briefly and focuses on relevant e-waste management polices which have been issued recently. Investigation results show that currently most of waste electric and electronic equipments flow from developed districts to urban districts because of development imbalance and the effective generation amount of e-waste is relatively lower. The current systems of waste electric & electronic equipments have been established by the profit driven and market supply and demand situation and made against e-waste collection and recycling and resulted serious environmental pollution. The new-issued e-waste management polices such as management methods for the control of pollution from electrical and electronic products, management regulations on recycling and disposal of waste and used household electrical appliances, administrative measures for the prevention and control of environmental pollution by electronic waste will play active actions to promote electronic products eco-design, standardize waste electric and electronic equipments collection and prevent environmental pollution during disassembly and recycling of E-waste.

Electronic Waste: A Growing Challenge In Nigeria

Abstract: In this age, where information is power, one way to ensure advancement is to acquire Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which is a veritable vehicle for development. It is therefore not surprising that in Nigeria, a developing country that is, perhaps more than others, in a hurry to catch up with the developed world, there is massive importation of electronic ICT equipment. The electronics industry, however, is very innovative and has become one of the world's fastest growing manufacturing sectors. As a consequence, large numbers of electronic ICT products become obsolete each year, and constitute electronic waste. This paper discusses this growing problem of electronic waste from the Nigerian perspective, and highlights factors that can militate against the successful management of such waste in Nigeria. Ways of ensuring success are also highlighted, which include the e-waste “treasure hunt” scheme, in order to keep the problem under control and avert the consequences of environmental pollution and degradation. Keywords : Information Age, electronic equipment, electronic waste, recycling, environmental pollution, waste management. Global Journal or Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 14 (4) 2008: pp. 459-462

Proposal for an e-waste management system for the United States

Abstract: Quantities of end-of-life electronics (or e-waste) around the world keep growing. More than 1.36 million metric tons of e-waste were discarded in the U.S. in 2005, mainly in landfills, and e-waste is projected to grow in future years. This paper explores issues relating to planning future e-waste regulation and management systems in the U.S. It begins by reviewing the existing U.S. recycling systems to establish the importance of developing public responses. The paper then discusses what specific conditions are expected to influence the acceptability and implementation domestically. A key consideration is the cultural imperative in the U.S. for market-driven solutions that enable competition. Given this context, a solution is proposed that is designed to ensure a proper end-of-life management while at the same time establishing a competitive market for reuse and recycling services. The solution, termed e-market for returned deposit, begins with a deposit paid by consumers to sellers at the time of purchase, electronically registered and tracked via a radio-frequency identification device (RFID) placed on the product. At end-of-life, consumers consult an Internet-enabled market in which firms compete to receive the deposit by offering consumers variable degrees of return on the deposit. After collection of the computer by the selected firm, the cyberinfrastructure utilizes the RFID to transfer the deposit to the winning firm when recycled. If the firm chooses to refurbish or resell the computer in lieu of recycling, the transfer is deferred until true end-of-life processing.

The application of the international resource recycling system (IRRS) to encouragement of electronic waste recycling- the case of Fuji Xerox

Abstract: In the first part of the paper, the authors briefly review progress of different research initiatives on electronic waste or ldquoe-wasterdquo. In the second part, they discuss trans-boundary system for the 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) management of electronic waste. The authors maintain that there are several important factors that lead to the successful development of a trans-boundary system. The factors are economic, technological, and institutional. Based on the case of Fuji Xerox where a trans-boundary system was built to reuse and recycle used photocopy components, this paper discusses some of the factors and elaborates major drivers and hindrances in the development of the system.

Optimization model of e-waste reverse logistics and recycling network

Abstract: Based on the analysis of the e-waste (electronic waste) reverse logistics network and the characteristics of its planning, this paper presents a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model, which has cost minimization as its objective from the overall perspective of reverse logistics. The factors considered in the model include the cost of collection, disassembly and treatment, processing capacity, sales income from material fractions after disassembly or bulk recycling, and material flows between different specialized facilities, as well as the effect of governmental policy, such as recycling subsidy. The model is not limited to the multi-tiered structure of reverse logistics network, but considers bulk recycling facilities as a sub-network, which can flexibly support logistics activity among the facilities within the sub-network, which reflects the actual operations. Input of the network can be multiple types of e-wastes and the output could be different material fractions including valuable and hazardous substances. The proposed optimization model can help determine the optimal facility location and the material flows in the network.

Shipments of Electronic Waste: Providing the Right Incentives through Regulation and Enforcement

Abstract: The article deals with the interaction of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and the Waste Shipment Regulation, insofar as they both regulate shipments of waste electrical and electronic equipment. While the number of such shipments is increasing rapidly, there is widespread uncertainty among companies and enforcement authorities concerning the interpretation of some of the relevant provisions. In particular, the borderline issues linked to the definition of ‘waste’ and the distinction between ‘waste’ and ‘product’ seem to cause difficulties that could be exploited by companies disguising their waste as ‘products’ to circumvent EU rules on waste management. Furthermore, the correct classification of waste is not always obvious, which provides for uncertainty as far as the applicable control procedure is concerned. This article analyses the regulatory and non-regulatory steps taken at both European and national levels towards more clarity. It concludes by calling for more coordination at European level in relation to enforcement activities. Furthermore, companies must take a more proactive stance when designing their take-back and waste management plans.

Disposal of e-wastes in Nigeria: an appraisal of regulations and current practices

Abstract: SUMMARY Nigeria is undergoing a rapid and massive growth in cell phone and computer use. A significant portion of this growth is fuelled by the importation of second-hand equipment from rich developed countries. At the end of their useful life, this becomes waste, electronic waste. While some imported materials can either be directly re-used or repaired, there is a significant quantity of junk. At the end of its useful life, this second-hand electronic equipment finds its way into unregulated disposal sites, where it is routinely burnt, releasing hazardous substances into the environment. Nigeria became a signatory to the Basel Convention in 1989. Since then, it has not evolved a regulatory framework to check the illicit trade in second-hand electronic products. However, existing national laws are inadequate and the provisions of the Basel Convention do not appear to be enforced in the originating countries. The Basel Ministerial Declaration on environmentally sound management stipulates that final dispos...

Understanding population dynamics of WEEE recycling system in the developing countries: A SIR model

Abstract: Literature indicates that it causes the growing concern over how the developing countries will manage largely volumes of e-waste (waste electrical and electronic equipment, WEEE) (Hicks et al., 2005). The reason is that e-waste disposal contains both highly valuable materials and toxic/hazardous substances, which may result in not only economical revenues but also negative impacts on human health and the environment when handling WEEE. Nowadays in South Africa, the formal sector, which is complying with international environmental standards, dominates handling WEEE industry. Whereas in some developing countries such as China, informal sector is the main WEEE processing system in which e-waste is treated by dangerous and inappropriate recycling practices (Widmer et al., 2005). Due to the nature of informal sector, the quality of informal processing activities and quantities of e-waste disposal are far than understood. Consequently, the existing situation of WEEE practices in the industrializing countries highlights the informal sector as a crucial and emerging issue, which is needed to be well understood and better governed.

Eco-efficiency as a road-mapping instrument for WEEE implementation

Abstract: A comprehensive and quantitative eco-efficiency concept for end-of-life consumer electronics is developed at the TU Delft. It addresses the key question in setting up take-back systems for discarded consumer electronics: how much environmental improvement can be realised per amount of money invested? This paper highlights the latest results of applying the concept in practice on the implementation of the European Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. The aim is to demonstrate what short-, medium- and long-term developments in applying electronic waste policies should look like, based on this eco-efficiency thinking. In particular, the outcomes of the Quotes for environmentally WEighted RecyclabiliTY and Eco-Efficiency (QWERTY/EE) concept on the current European waste policy situation are discussed. Based on this, generic rules and strategies are presented which are applicable for the start and further development of take-back and recycling systems for electronic products in various countries. The outcomes in general support the development of more eco-efficient take-back and recycling in the EU.

Electrical and electronic waste in China

Abstract: E-waste is one of the major environmental problems of China. Studies reveal that most e-waste in the country is currently being disposed of in an unscientific way, creating many problems for public health and the environment. The government and its ministries have made great efforts to control e-waste pollution and to increase the environmentally sound utilization of e-waste. This article provides a review of the generation and management of e-waste in China.

Contamination of solid waste from toxic materials in electronic waste (e-Waste)

Abstract: Electronic waste or e-waste is the fastest growing and the latest waste stream in global waste sector. Ever increasing demand for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, washing machines, refrigerators in our modern society coupled with wide availability of latest designs in the electronics industry lead to rapid obsolescence of EEE well before their end-of-life use. Apart from the significant number of EEEs entering the global stream, the toxicity of certain materials contained in them is major concern to waste managers. E-waste contains more than 1000 different substances out of elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and brominated flame retardants are of major threat to human health and the environment. Regulations are being developed or implemented in many countries around the world to ban or restrict above materials from EEE. This paper investigates the use and toxicity of materials used in the manufacture of EEE that could contaminate the solid waste streams.