Pollution Research Paper

STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF END-OF LIFE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENTS

S. PRIYADHARSHINI AND T. MEENAMBAL

Abstract

According to United Nations report it is said that the volume of e-waste generated globally is set to exceed 40 million tonnes per year, End-of-life electrical and electronic waste or E-waste as its commonly known, is gaining importance due to their potential toxicity to the environment and human health. It is an irrefutable fact that Electrical and Electronic Equipments have become an integral part of human existence, due to technological advancements, improving economic status and extensive availability; it has become impossible to not be dependent on the comforts provided by the Electrical and Electronic Equipments, greater the dependence on the comforts provided by EEE greater is the volume of EEE that is going to be discarded, hence their management has become imperative. Governments in many countries are considering WEEE as priority waste stream due to the constant increase in volume and the many potential risks associated with their handling and disposal. The increased penetration of EEE is further said to add to the burden of solid waste management for governments. The components of EEE are complex and require specialised technology for their handling and management. The metallic fractions of the WEEE have received plenty of attention due to their recyclability and reuse, whereas the non-metallic components such as plastics, glass, rubber etc. have not received their due to their low economic value, the reason that could be attributed to their unscientific disposal. On one hand EEE have become indispensible part of life, consequently measures have to taken to control them in an environmentally sound manner. Generation of E-waste can be primarily attributed to three main reasons, namely, increasing market penetration, replacement market and high obsolescence rate. Hence it has become imperative that due consideration has to be given to the management of this particular form of potentially hazardous waste.