Showing papers on "Electronic waste published in 2014"

E-waste: A global hazard

Abstract: Background Waste from end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment, known as e-waste, is a rapidly growing global problem. E-waste contains valuable materials that have an economic value when recycled. Unfortunately, the majority of e-waste is recycled in the unregulated informal sector and results in significant risk for toxic exposures to the recyclers, who are frequently women and children. Objectives The aim of this study was to document the extent of the problems associated with inappropriate e-waste recycling practices. Methods This was a narrative review that highlighted where e-waste is generated, where it is recycled, the range of adverse environmental exposures, the range of adverse health consequences, and the policy frameworks that are intended to protect vulnerable populations from inappropriate e-waste recycling practices. Findings The amount of e-waste being generated is increasing rapidly and is compounded by both illegal exportation and inappropriate donation of electronic equipment, especially computers, from developed to developing countries. As little as 25% of e-waste is recycled in formal recycling centers with adequate worker protection. The health consequences of both direct exposures during recycling and indirect exposures through environmental contamination are potentially severe but poorly studied. Policy frameworks aimed at protecting vulnerable populations exist but are not effectively applied. Conclusions E-waste recycling is necessary but it should be conducted in a safe and standardized manor. The acceptable risk thresholds for hazardous, secondary e-waste substances should not be different for developing and developed countries. However, the acceptable thresholds should be different for children and adults given the physical differences and pronounced vulnerabilities of children. Improving occupational conditions for all e-waste workers and striving for the eradication of child labor is non-negotiable.

Metal Extraction Processes for Electronic Waste and Existing Industrial Routes: A Review and Australian Perspective

Abstract: The useful life of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) has been shortened as a consequence of the advancement in technology and change in consumer patterns. This has resulted in the generation of large quantities of electronic waste (e-waste) that needs to be managed. The handling of e-waste including combustion in incinerators, disposing in landfill or exporting overseas is no longer permitted due to environmental pollution and global legislations. Additionally, the presence of precious metals (PMs) makes e-waste recycling attractive economically. In this paper, current metallurgical processes for the extraction of metals from e-waste, including existing industrial routes, are reviewed. In the first part of this paper, the definition, composition and classifications of e-wastes are described. In the second part, separation of metals from e-waste using mechanical processing, hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical routes are critically analyzed. Pyrometallurgical routes are comparatively economical and eco-efficient if the hazardous emissions are controlled. Currently, pyrometallurgical routes are used initially for the segregation and upgrading of PMs (gold and silver) into base metals (BMs) (copper, lead and nickel) and followed by hydrometallurgical and electrometallurgical processing for the recovery of pure base and PMs. For the recycling of e-waste in Australia, challenges such as collection, transportation, liberation of metal fractions, and installation of integrated smelting and refining facilities are identified.

Electronic waste – an emerging threat to the environment of urban India

Abstract: Electronic waste or e-waste is one of the emerging problems in developed and developing countries worldwide. It comprises of a multitude of components with valuable materials, some containing toxic substances, that can have an adverse impact on human health and the environment. Previous studies show that India has generated 0.4 million tons of e-waste in 2010 which may increase to 0.5 to 0.6 million tons by 2013–2014. Coupled with lack of appropriate infrastructural facilities and procedures for its disposal and recycling have posed significant importance for e-waste management in India. In general, e-waste is generated through recycling of e-waste and also from dumping of these wastes from other countries. More of these wastes are ending up in dumping yards and recycling centers, posing a new challenge to the environment and policy makers as well. In general electronic gadgets are meant to make our lives happier and simpler, but the toxicity it contains, their disposal and recycling becomes a health nightmare. Most of the users are unaware of the potential negative impact of rapidly increasing use of computers, monitors, and televisions. 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, recycling operations and mechanisms to improve the condition for better environment.

Informal e-waste recycling: environmental risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in Mandoli industrial area, Delhi, India.

Abstract: Nowadays, e-waste is a major source of environmental problems and opportunities due to presence of hazardous elements and precious metals This study was aimed to evaluate the pollution risk of heavy metal contamination by informal recycling of e-waste Environmental risk assessment was determined using multivariate statistical analysis, index of geoaccumulation, enrichment factor, contamination factor, degree of contamination and pollution load index by analysing heavy metals in surface soils, plants and groundwater samples collected from and around informal recycling workshops in Mandoli industrial area, Delhi, India Concentrations of heavy metals like As (1708 mg/kg), Cd (129 mg/kg), Cu (11550 mg/kg), Pb (2,64531 mg/kg), Se (1267 mg/kg) and Zn (77684 mg/kg) were higher in surface soils of e-waste recycling areas compared to those in reference site Level exceeded the values suggested by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) High accumulations of heavy metals were also observed in the native plant samples (Cynodon dactylon) of e-waste recycling areas The groundwater samples collected form recycling area had high heavy metal concentrations as compared to permissible limit of Indian Standards and maximum allowable limit of WHO guidelines for drinking water Multivariate analysis and risk assessment studies based on total metal content explains the clear-cut differences among sampling sites and a strong evidence of heavy metal pollution because of informal recycling of e-waste This study put forward that prolonged informal recycling of e-waste may accumulate high concentration of heavy metals in surface soils, plants and groundwater, which will be a matter of concern for both environmental and occupational hazards This warrants an immediate need of remedial measures to reduce the heavy metal contamination of e-waste recycling sites

State-of-the-Art of Recycling E-Wastes by Vacuum Metallurgy Separation

Abstract: In recent era, more and more electric and electronic equipment wastes (e-wastes) are generated that contain both toxic and valuable materials in them. Most studies focus on the extraction of valuable metals like Au, Ag from e-wastes. However, the recycling of metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn, and organics has not attracted enough attentions. Vacuum metallurgy separation (VMS) processes can reduce pollution significantly using vacuum technique. It can effectively recycle heavy metals and organics from e-wastes in an environmentally friendly way, which is beneficial for both preventing the heavy metal contaminations and the sustainable development of resources. VMS can be classified into several methods, such as vacuum evaporation, vacuum carbon reduction and vacuum pyrolysis. This paper respectively reviews the state-of-art of these methods applied to recycling heavy metals and organics from several kinds of e-wastes. The method principle, equipment used, separating process, optimized operating parameters and recycling mechanism of each case are illustrated in details. The perspectives on the further development of e-wastes recycling by VMS are also presented.

Material flow analysis and energy requirements of mobile phone material recovery processes

Abstract: Proper recycling of mobile phones and other electronic products is important in order to reduce the generation of large amounts of hazardous waste, lessen environmental and social problems associated to the extraction of minerals and primary production of materials, and also minimize the depletion of scarce materials that are often difficult to substitute. Current material recovery processes are used to recycle electronic waste of various compositions. Based on a review of the recycling processes and material flow analysis (MFA), we attribute the material and energy required to recover metals from 1 tonne of discarded mobile phones. We estimate that the recovery rates of gold, palladium, silver, copper, nickel, lead, antimony, and tin from the recycling processes described are 80 to 99 % (16.4 % of the phone in weight). The two main industrial processes used at present time (pyrometallurgical and combined pyro-hydrometallurgical) have similar energy consumptions (7,763 and 7,568 MJ/tonne of mobile phones, respectively). An average tonne of used mobile phones represents a potential of 128 kg of copper, 0.347 kg of gold, 0.15 kg of palladium, 3.63 kg of silver, 15 kg of nickel, 6 kg of lead, 1 kg of antimony, and 10 kg of tin as well as other metals that are not yet profitable to recover but might be in the future. We find that the energy consumed to recover copper from mobile phones is half of that needed for copper primary extraction and similar or greater energy savings for precious metal refining. Nevertheless, only 2.5 % of mobile phones arrive to industrial recovery facilities. There is a great potential to increase the amount of metals being recovered, thereby reducing energy consumption and increasing resource efficiency.

Novel Approach for Processing Hazardous Electronic Waste

Abstract: Rapid urbanization, a general improvement in living standards and increased consumption has resulted in the generation of unprecedented amounts of waste in recent years. Among different wastes, electronic wastes (e-waste) volumes are growing three times faster than any other forms of urban waste. It is estimated that 20 to 50 million tonnes of e-waste are generated worldwide every year. E-waste contains over 1000 different substances; some are toxic and hazardous, which cause serious problems to environment and on human health. Generation of waste residues during recovery of precious metals from e-waste, the presence of hazardous lead, waste plastics, secondary pollution caused by landfilling non-metallic residues are some of the problems associated with recycling e-waste. We report a novel approach to recover valuable materials from waste printed circuit boards; controlled pyrolysis of e-waste was carried out at high temperatures (750-1550 °C) in an argon atmosphere. Segregation of lead and other metals was investigated as a function of temperature and reaction products were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Temperatures above 1350 °C were required to completely remove lead and other metals from e-waste; waste residue that was left behind was predominantly composed of carbon. Further research was carried out on the utilization of lead free non-metallic residue as a carbon source in ironmaking application. Non-metallic residual waste from recycling PCB was found to be a promising reductant in ironmaking applications. This research has laid the foundations of a ‘Zero Waste’ approach for managing and recycling electronic waste.

e-Waste Management Scenarios in Malaysia

Abstract: e-Waste, or electronic waste, disposal that is uncontrolled can be harmful to human health and the environment because e-waste contains toxic substances and heavy metals. However, if the waste is properly managed, it can become a business opportunity that produces high returns because e-waste also contains valuable materials, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. The government of Malaysia wants to ensure the safe, effective, and economically beneficial management of e-waste in Malaysia. Management approaches have included law enforcement and regulation and the promotion of e-waste recovery activities. e-Waste of no commercial value must be disposed of at sites/premises licensed by the Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysia. To date, 18 full recovery facilities and 128 partial recovery facilities that use various available technologies have been designated for the segregation, dismantling, and treatment of e-waste. However, there are issues faced by the recovery facilities in achieving the goal of converting e-waste into a source material. The issues include the e-waste supply, the importation of e-waste derived products and coding, and finally the need to develop the criteria for e-waste processing technologies to ensure the safety and the sustainability of the facilities.

Electronic Waste Management in India: A Stakeholder’s Perspective

Abstract: E-waste or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) illustrate discarded appliances that utilize electricity for their functioning. Today, the Indian market is engrossed with massive volumes of electrical and electronic goods and gadgets, having tremendously high domestic demand. Consequently, the amount of E-waste being generated in the country is flourishing at an alarming rate, although the management practices and policy initiatives of the same are still in an elementary stage. The current methods of storage, processing, recycling and disposal of E-waste in India have immense potential to harm human health and the environment. Furthermore, the policy level initiatives related to E-waste in India are reasonably recent and inadequate to address the issue. The paper tries to evaluate the current status of E-waste management practices in India. The domination of informal sector in the E-waste recycling business with all its socio-economic, health and environmental implications are dealt with in detail and the dawdling progress of formal recycling units in the country is assessed upon. The paper tries to identify the range of diverse stakeholders in the E-waste management system in India. These stakeholders are significant right from the production of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) to the final disposal of E-waste. The paper concludes that identifying the range of stakeholders in the E-waste management system and constructing a sustainable E-waste management system involving these stakeholders are the needs of the hour.

Trash or Treasure: Global Trade and the Accumulation of E-Waste in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract: This paper explores the relationships between the consumption of electronics throughout the world and the accumulation of electronic waste on the landscape of southwest Nigeria. E-waste recycling, which often includes burning and burial of used, discarded, and scavenged equipment, profoundly affects the soil, water, and air quality of these industrial sites, as well as landscapes farther afield. The globally influenced dumping operations and the informal recycling methods employed to extract valuable raw materials raise questions of environmental ethics, social justice, and appropriate land use. At issue is the balance between the externalities of e-waste and the economic needs of Nigeria, attitudes about the earth as a repository for e-waste, and the subsequent implications for Nigeria’s economic, ecological, and human health.

Generation and Management of Electronic Waste in the City of Pune, India

Abstract: Electronic waste (E-waste) illustrates discarded appliances that utilize electricity for their functioning. It is one of the fastest growing waste streams across the globe. A study on the generation and management of E-waste was conducted in the city of Pune, India, involving four different stakeholders, namely, the information technology (IT) sector, banking sector, educational institutes, and households. All these stakeholders are listed by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forest as major contributors to the problem of E-waste in the country. Semistructured interviews were carried out at 4 IT companies, 10 banks, 16 educational institutes, and 50 households. Results show that the generation of E-waste with respect to computer waste is highest at the IT sector, followed by the banking sector. Apart from a few exceptions, rudimentary management practices were prevalent among the stakeholders. There is a lack of awareness on concerns related to E-waste. Establishing sustainable E-waste management pra...

Household perception and recycling behaviour on electronic waste management: a case study of kuala-lumpur, malaysia

Abstract: Electronic waste (e-waste) is increasing rapidly in Malaysia to the effect that e-waste management has now become a major environmental concern in Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur. In a step towards remedying this problem, this study seeks to ascertain household awareness, knowledge and risk perception of e-waste and its impact on attitudes and recycling behaviours in Kuala Lumpur. The result shows that three factors, namely, awareness, knowledge and risk perception of e-waste management have positive and significant influence on attitudes towards e-waste mangement. Furthermore, attitudes towards e-waste mangement has a positive influence on recycling behavior. This study provides valuable insights to policy makers so that they may take appropriate steps to increase recycling behaviour among households in Kuala Lumpur. Keywords: Attitudes, Awareness, Electronic Waste, Recycling Behaviour and Risk Perception

E-waste management in Bangladesh

Abstract: Advancement of ICT makes peoples life easy however, unknown to them this comes with a silver lining of doom aka e-waste (electronic waste generated from electrical and electronic equipment). The growing amount of e-waste accumulating from foreign import and our own domestic sources have become a major concern of scientific community. When first introduced in the early 1980s waste generated from computers and mobile phones were foreign topics due to high price and inaccessibility of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). However, sharp rise in the urban population and the comparative decrease in years of electronic device lifespan, number of e-waste generated in Bangladesh has reached a staggering amount. Inappropriate disposal practices are affecting our health. This paper attempts to shed light to the growing problem of e-waste management and the different possibilities that can be applied to a conundrum that is rapidly turning out to become a national level concern.

Powering the Digital: From Energy Ecologies to Electronic Environmentalism

Abstract: Electronics and all that they plug into are energy intensive Energy is another form of waste, like electronic waste that contributes to the material footprint of electronic technologies This chapter examines the particular ways in which electronics use energy, from manufacture to powering devices to running cloud servers While electronics consume energy, they are also used to manage energy consumption with the hope of achieving greater sustainability By developing the concept of “electronic environmentalism,” the chapter considers how we might account more fully for both the environmental impacts of electronics, as well as attend to and even trouble the ways in which they guide us to think about environmental practices

A review on various electronic waste recycling techniques and hazards due to its improper handling.

Abstract: The growing use of electrical and electronic equipment and their early obsolescence has resulted in generation of a large quantity of electronic waste (e-waste). This ever piling waste, if not handled properly, can have various detrimental effects on biotic as well as abiotic components of the ecosystem.Proper handling of this waste requires good recycling designs and improved machineries. In developing countries like India, China, Indonesia, Brazil, commercial organizations tend to focus more on economic aspects rather than environmental regulations of waste recycling. So, for the profitable recovery of reusable materials and sustainable environment, the efficient recycling of this waste has been rendered indispensable, and is considered as a challenge for today's society. In this literature study, first we have briefly introducedseveral toxic components present in e-waste or generated during recycling processes and their detrimental effects. This is followed by various commercial techniques used for recycling of metallic and non-metallic fractions of e-waste.

E-waste management: An emerging global crisis and the Malaysian scenario

Abstract: Rapid progress in standard of living and advances in information and communication technology (ICT) has generated an enormous amount of end of life electrical and electronic equipment which eventually become e-waste. Although it represents a small percentage of total solid waste, e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world, with most of them flowing from developed to developing countries for the purpose of recovery and recycling activities. However, poor recovery and recycling facilities produce toxic residues which were eventually landfilled or openly incinerated with severe negative effects on human and environmental health. Although the Basel Convention and other legislations were introduced by nations to limit the global trans-boundary shipment of the highly toxic e-waste, the illicit trade is difficult to trace and regulate due to multiple loopholes. Consequently, only a small fraction of generated e-waste finds its way to licensed material recovery facilities (MRFs) for recycling purposes, while the rest is recovered by the informal sector in the developing countries. One of latest e-waste reduction strategies introduced is the extended producer responsibility. Although the issue of e-waste is quite new in Malaysia, the country is also grappling with the crisis and has become one the main destinations of the global e-waste trade.

An Assessment of Public Awareness Regarding E-Waste Hazards and Management Strategies

Abstract: The fast pace of innovation both within India and abroad, along with the increasing affordability of electronic goods due to economic growth, has led to the rapid turnover of these consumer goods and thus enormous amounts of electronic waste (or e-waste). In addition to the sheer volume that must be managed, electronics contain highly toxic chemicals that complicate the waste handling process and can be detrimental to human health and the environment. However, India has only recently implemented regulations that directly address this issue through the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). Public awareness of this government policy and e-waste hazards is key to both active participation in management systems and the ability to put pressure on producer compliance. Thus, the study here attempts to assess this aspect of the e-waste situation through personal interviews with Indian families in Ahmedabad, a large city in Gujarat. Insight from government officials, NGO representatives, and formal and informal e-waste processing workers were also sought in order to give the general public interviews a structural context. It was found that most respondents do not participate in formal e-waste recycling systems, do not know specific details about the health and environmental hazards of e-waste, and do not know about the 2011 e-waste legislation. Additionally, only about one quarter acknowledge the possibility of extracting raw materials or spare components from unused electronics. Thus, government bodies must invest more in creating a public with greater knowledge of and agency in India’s e-waste issue.

Cleaning Up Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

Abstract: While accurate data on the amount of e-waste being exported from the U.S. are not available, the United States government is concerned that these exports are being mismanaged abroad, causing serious public health and environmental hazards.

E (Electronic) Waste Management using Biological systems -overview

Abstract: .The constantly changing today's world of technology has lead to the serious problem of E (Electronic) waste. E-waste constitute multiple components some of which are toxic that can cause serious health and environmental issues if not handled properly. This review article provides the associated impacts and possible management of E-waste using Biological systems. Physical incineration and chemical processes using strong acids are hazardous as well as expensive for treatment, therefore biological approaches using microorganisms, earthworms and plants are valuable alternatives to traditional methods.

Reducing electronic waste through the development of an adaptable mobile device

Abstract: Electronic waste is a growing problem in the world. As technology is more rapidly developed and made accessible to the public, an increase in the disposal of old electronics becomes more imminent. Electronic waste is harmful to the environment and the amount that it attributes to the waste stream can be reduced. Electronic products such as mobile devices are ubiquitous and the rates with which they are acquired and replaced by the consumers continue to rise. The current mobile device market encourages the acquisition of new devices more often than the end-of-life of the entire product. To create a more sustainable technological future, there must be a reduction in mobile device contribution to electronic waste. The problem of electronic waste with specific focus on mobile devices is approached from a systems engineering perspective. We performed a requirements analysis of alternative architectures that could potentially encourage and inspire customers to keep mobile devices for longer durations. In particular, we explored the idea of Phonebloks or a modular device, identified the critical factors in the development phase as outlined by ISO 15288 and ISO 9001 standards, and implemented a survey to evaluate user interest. This research explores a proof-of-concept design for a mobile device that is durable and customizable. A modular device allows for the consumer to replace a piece of the phone rather than the entire phone when they need to update their device. The consumer base is important to the success of the product, and our survey indicates a significant potential for consumer interest. The success of such a device could influence the development of more sustainable devices that will further encourage environmentally conscious technological design.

Three wastes systemic treatment technology and process for electronic waste recovery and treatment

Abstract: The invention discloses a three waste systemic treatment technology and process for electronic waste recovery and treatmen. During the disassembly and recovery of electronic waste, waste gas is removed respectively via catakytic decomposition, absorption and adsorption; waste water is purified via heavy metal capture and heavy metal ion floatation; through the adoption of the manner that composite materials are added into waste residues to recycle the waste residues, the whole process of the production is safe and environmental-friendly, no three wastes is discharged and leaked, and accordingly, efficient and comprehensive utilization of resources are achieved.

Plastic value chains: Case: WEEE (Waste Electric and electronic equipment) in the Nordic region

Abstract: This project identifies thousands of tonnes per annum of potential enhanced plastics recycling from Nordic electronic waste Plastics recycling does not always feature prominently in waste treatmen

E-Waste Management: Towards an Appropriate Policy

Abstract: The socio-environmental impact of rapidly increasing piles of electrical and electronic waste or E-waste at global level has been evaluated in detail. Malaysian scenario was selected as a case study to analyse various issues regarding generation, storage, transportation and disposal of E-waste. Generation of E-waste has been estimated to be about 652909 tonnes in 2006 and was extrapolated to reach around 706 000 tonnes in 2011 and about 1.2 million tonnes in 2020 in Malaysia alone. E-waste basically includes disposed materials of refrigerators, calculators, alarm clocks, computers, printers, televisions, monitors, audio setups, electronic thermometers, laser printer, etc, most of which contain batteries and other components. They carry traces of heavy elements and toxic compounds that threaten human and animal health and various other parts of ecosystem. As per the estimation, over 75% of subjects interviewed in this study has lack of knowledge in storage and disposal techniques of E-waste. The situation may be worse in some other parts of the world. Finally, this paper proposes viable procedures for the safe management of E-waste. Keywords: E-waste, electrical, electronic, waste management, solid waste, built environment