E-Waste
From TheStudentWiki
E-Waste (Electronic waste) is a type of waste made up of unwanted electronic appliances, such as computer systems etc. If this waste is not treated properly it can be a major source of toxins and carcinogens. There are solutions. Recycling any E-waste would cut these toxins and carcinogens and E-waste could be a valuable source for secondary materials. However, for mass participation of recycling E-waste a collection system would have to be set-up across the country, which has not yet been implemented therefore the amount of E-waste continues to rise.
Delhi and Bangalore in India and Guiyu in China have electronic waste processing areas and a lot of E-waste is sent to these countries for disposal. However, uncontrolled burning and disposal of the waste are causing environmental and health problems, but due to lower environmental standards in these areas, E-waste is constantly sent to such developing countries.
Trade in electronic waste is controlled by the Basel Convention, an organization designed to prevent hazardous waste transferring to other countries and also to minimize toxins from waste products. Toxic substances in improperly treated electronic waste may include lead and mercury. Companies may now also use recycled and less amounts of packaging for their products to contribute to the greener world.
Some European countries banned the disposal of electronic waste in landfills in the 1990's which created an e-waste processing industry. The state of California introduced an Electronic Waste Recycling Fee on all new monitors and sold by companies, to cover the cost of recycling. The amount of the fee depends on the size of the monitor.
Links:
