E-Waste Management: Emergency Of Action

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a common term that we are used to refer those electrical and electronic items that are not in use or have been replaced by the new versions. Computer hardware, cell phones components, televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, DVDs, iPods, and fax machines etc. are common in the category of electronic products, which finally turn to e-wastes. Latest technological advancements are helping generations for improving their ability and potential. In the same time, it will become a big threat to human being in the future. When technology is using for business purpose, it reduces life span of electronic as well as electrical devices.

One interesting thing is that, many of such thrown away materials are having certain usable parts also. Increasing production of new materials, mainly electronic goods place the old electronic products into throw away as ‘e-waste’. People are always trying to upgrading their electronic items frequently. Environmental degradation and health hazards have become serious issues in the world and especially in India, due to improper e-waste management. The major portion of e-waste reaches an unorganized e-waste recycling sector and is then treated by using unscientific methods. According to researchers, around 75 percent of old electronic products are dumped in various places because of the uncertainty of how to manage these materials.

Most of the electronic parts or equipments contain toxic chemicals. When such parts are placed in landfills, burned, or improperly recycled, toxic chemicals presented in those electronic parts are come out into the air, water and soil. The most dangerous chemical in electronic devices is lead, which is used in soldering of circuit boards of various electronic components. It creates problems to the human body, kidneys, liver, nervous system etc. As per the latest news, many of the developed countries are dumping their e – waste materials in several developing countries and oceans. The expenses of treatment of e-waste are high in the developed countries. It is the relatively low cost of shipment leads transportation of the waste from the developed to the developing countries. In the developing countries, these wastes are dumped into landfills, incinerators and ill-equipped recycling facilities.

Various techniques are used for the recovery of the useful material in such a way. These methods in turn pose serious health issues and can be destructive to the individuals who are involved in these fields. Most of the electric and electronic equipments involve the use of potentially harmful metals. These metals are releasing harmful toxins that may reach from the soil into the environment and cause health issues to animals and humans alike and also cause to soil and water pollution, due to dumping into the landfills and water resources. The only solution for this problem is creating awareness among people. It is the foundation for collective action and acquiring knowledge to manage these kinds of disasters. India has more than 50 percentage of the population under the age of 25.

As a young generation who are being the main consumers of these kinds of products, it’s our responsibility to work together to overcome problems due to e-waste by the way of awareness creation among youth. These are some of the techniques that we can use;

1) We can make them aware about the present scenario of e-waste and how it related to human beings through open forums, panel discussions, group discussions.

2) By the way of performing street theatre/ mimes/ road shows/ campaigns on evil effects of e-waste and its proper disposal.

3) Conducting community level classes for those who are collecting these materials for supporting their lives by the initiative of young people.

4) Awareness campaigns on environmental friendly methods in order to extract materials from e – waste safely.

5) By supporting and promoting collection centers for repurchase of such waste with the help of producers.

6) By providing financial incentives/ schemes for youth to enter into a formal group of recycling mission/ project.

7) Collaborating with various NGOs working in these fields and getting as well as become a trainer of vocational courses on e-waste management.

8) Youth can create various environmental clubs/ groups in their educational institutions.

9) Youth need to get involved in real life experience along with getting awareness.

10) Youth can help authorities in better implementation of various policies related to e-waste and its management. This is the time to create a responsible generation and proper e-waste management for mother earth.