E-Waste
Author: Sumit Meshram
A Systematic Review of E-Waste Generation and Environmental Management of Asia Pacific Countries
Lynda, et al (2021) Presented this research analyzes e-waste management in the chosen Asia-Pacific nations and reveals that they do not have efficient strategies for sustainable e-waste solutions. The generation of e-waste is growing fast, surpassing existing recycling centers, resulting in illegal dumping and informal recycling. The absence of an efficient system to handle hazardous waste aggravates the situation. Moreover, increased demand for second-hand electronics in developing nations has made them e-waste dumping sites. Structured policies are needed to enhance e-waste management, recycling, and disposal, according to the study, which suggests that formal recycling is limited, thus minimizing pollution and health hazards.
Electronic Waste, an Environmental Problem Exported to Developing Countries: The GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY
Samuel, et al (2021) Presented that this paper investigates the increasingly problematic issue of electronic waste (e-waste) and developed nations’ exports to poorer nations. Although e-waste offers employment and material value (the GOOD), it contributes to pollution (the BAD) and harms workers’ health from toxic substances (the UGLY). Numerous regulations to deal with e-waste have been enacted but are poorly enforced, enabling unlawful dumping to remain prevalent. The research emphasizes the necessity of improved policies, efficient recycling practices, and global collaboration. Developed countries have a responsibility to take action by promoting sustainable waste management in developing nations rather than exporting their environmental issues elsewhere.
Environmental and Health Consequences of E-Waste Dumping and Recycling Carried out by Selected Countries in Asia and Latin America
Lynda, et al (2023) Presented that this research analyzes the toxic impacts of e-waste dumping and recycling in Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and Pakistan. Communities are being exposed to harmful chemicals as a result of unsafe recycling practices, commonly performed by women and children with no protection. Illegal dumping and toxic activities such as acid leaching and burning persist despite regulations and legislation. The research recommends improved government policies, stringent legislation, and enhanced recycling centers to minimize such risks. It emphasizes proper e-waste management, producer takeback initiatives, and enhanced enforcement to safeguard the environment and health of e-waste handlers.
E-waste is toxic, but for whom? The body politics of knowing toxic flows in Delhi
Julia, (2024) Presented that this article discusses the construction of e-waste pollution stories and how they affect workers and outsiders. It focuses on the hardships of e-waste workers and how outsiders’ perceptions construct global narratives. The research indicates that living in contaminated places alters one’s perception of pollution, rendering it difficult for outsiders to fully comprehend. Legislation intended to hold the polluters responsible tends to fault the workers. Outsiders’ stories tend to perpetuate social hierarchies inadvertently. The article challenges how international environmental movements influence local communities and proposes the necessity of more sensitive representation of the people directly impacted by pollution.
Between toxics and gold: devaluing informal labor in the global urban mine
Corwin & Julia, (2019) Presented that this study investigates why electronic waste, or e-waste, is considered valuable material and contaminating substance respectively, based on the hands of whom it falls. While informal waste managers in the Global South are conveniently accused of contamination, corporate recycling facilities in the Global North are considered superior and responsible in their practices. This leads to the underestimation of informal work, even though Indian and other workers are able to successfully repair and recycle electronics. The study reveals how environmental concerns are all too easily used as a pretext for corporate control of e-waste markets, denying informal workers opportunities that are open to them in this area.
Extended Producer Responsibility as an Instrument for Electronic Waste Management: A Critical Analysis of India’s e-waste Rules
Bhaskar, et al (2015) Presented that this study examines India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy of managing e-waste, with a focus on its implementation in Ahmedabad. The findings outline gaps in awareness, enforcement, and compliance between producers, bulk consumers, and regulatory authorities. While some organizations employ the correct disposal practices, others still make use of illegal markets. Transparency by producers and weak regulatory enforcement limit the policy. Strengthening awareness, raising incentives for formal recycling, and enhancing enforcement mechanisms are needed for better e-waste management. The study highlights the need for stronger policies and coordination to ensure sustainable e-waste management in India.
Extended Stakeholder Responsibility as a Public Policy for E-waste Management in India
Jesiah, et al (2013) Presented that the IT sector has been central to the economic development of India and is set to continue playing a pivotal role. Nevertheless, the expansion of the consumer market translates into increased waste, particularly e-waste, which is both an opportunity and a challenge. Innovation and waste minimization of sustainable products are essential. E-waste management presents new business opportunities, particularly with the availability of skilled manpower from the informal economy. Increasing awareness and facilitating e-waste disposal for consumers is essential. Both producers and consumers have the responsibility. The government, schools, and universities can encourage proper recycling and waste management techniques.
Re-Cycle of E-Waste in Concrete by Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate
Kuldeep, et al (2019) Presented that this research investigated the application of electronic waste (E-waste) as a percentage replacement of coarse aggregate in M25 concrete. By blending varied percentages of E-waste (0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, 16%, and 20%), the study examined its effect on workability and compressive strength. The study revealed that inclusion of E-waste influences workability, though the overall compressive strength enhances up to a 12% replacement, upon which it is reduced. This technique provides a green solution to E-waste management with improved concrete properties. The research points out the prospect of E-waste utilization in construction for reducing waste and sustainable development.
Plastic warriors: a study on self-help group’s contribution to economic, social value creation and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Tamil Nadu, India
M. Dominic, et al (2023) Presented that this study indicates the significance of self-help groups (SHGs) in plastic waste management in Tamil Nadu, India. SHGs are economically important as they generate employment and income. They are also of social importance through a clean environment and better health among members of the community. Additionally, their operations complement international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the promotion of sustainable waste management. The study demands increased support for SHGs in waste management. Encouraging responsible plastic use, better waste segregation, and better policies can make India a cleaner and healthier place while improving livelihoods.
Evaluating the Effects of ICT Core Elements on CO₂ Emissions: Recent Evidence from OECD Countries
Briglauer, et al (2022) Presented that this essay examines the impact of digital services and ICT (information and communication technology) on CO2 emissions. It finds that broadband networks, especially fiber connections, lower emissions in OECD countries by reducing CO2 emissions to the same degree as Greece’s total annual emissions. However, mobile broadband and ICT devices have opposite impacts. Since ICT services are growing in developed countries, energy-hungry ICT production is being exported to countries like China and India. The study suggests that overarching climate policies like carbon taxes won’t be suitable for ICT. Rather, unique policies need to promote emission-sparing technologies and limit high-energy digital services like streaming and crypto mining.
Conclusion:
E-waste is a serious environmental and health issue, with developing nations seeing the most abuse as e-waste is shipped out of industrialized countries into poor nations to be handled with little to no regulation. Research indicates that there are inadequate formal recycling systems and informal workers are undervalued though they play a role in managing e-waste. There is a need for stronger policies, producer responsibility, and stakeholder engagement to facilitate sustainable solutions. Innovations such as e-waste recycling in construction and self-help group activities provide viable alternatives. International collaboration and tighter regulations are essential for effective e-waste management and environmental conservation.
References:
Bhaskar, K. & Turaga, Rama Mohana, 2015. “Extended Producer Responsibility as an Instrument for Electronic Waste Management: A Critical Analysis of India’s e-waste Rules,” IIMA Working Papers WP2015-01-04, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Research and Publication Department.
Briglauer, Wolfgang & Köppl-Turyna, Monika & Schwarzbauer, Wolfgang, 2022. “Evaluating the Effects of ICT Core Elements on CO₂ Emissions: Recent Evidence from OECD Countries,” 31st European Regional ITS Conference, Gothenburg 2022: Reining in Digital Platforms? Challenging monopolies, promoting competition and developing regulatory regimes 265615, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).
Corwin, Julia Eleanor, 2019. “Between toxics and gold: devaluing informal labor in the global urban mine,” LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 102531, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
Jesiah, Selvam & Lakshmi, Uma, 2013. “Extended Stakeholder Responsibility as a Public Policy for E-waste Management in India,” MPRA Paper 57864, University Library of Munich, Germany.
Julia Perczel, 2024. “E-waste is toxic, but for whom? The body politics of knowing toxic flows in Delhi,” Environment and Planning C, , vol. 42(1), pages 64-79, February.
Kuldeep Rajput & Abhishek Gupta & Arushi, 2019. “Re-Cycle Of E-Waste In Concrete By Partial Replacement Of Coarse Aggregate,” Engineering Heritage Journal (GWK), Zibeline International Publishing, vol. 3(1), pages 5-8, January.
Lynda Andeobu & Santoso Wibowo & Srimannarayana Grandhi, 2021. “A Systematic Review of E-Waste Generation and Environmental Management of Asia Pacific Countries,” IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-18, August.
Lynda Andeobu & Santoso Wibowo & Srimannarayana Grandhi, 2023. “Environmental and Health Consequences of E-Waste Dumping and Recycling Carried out by Selected Countries in Asia and Latin America,” Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-28, July.
M. Dominic Jayakumar & Aiswarya Ramasundaram & Arokiyadass Vanathayan, 2023. “Plastic warriors: a study on self-help group’s contribution to economic, social value creation and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Tamil Nadu, India,” Vilakshan – XIMB Journal of Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 21(1), pages 79-90, September.
Samuel Abalansa & Badr El Mahrad & John Icely & Alice Newton, 2021. “Electronic Waste, an Environmental Problem Exported to Developing Countries: The GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY,” Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-24, May.