Electronic waste or e.docx

7/25/2019 Electronic waste or e.docx

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Electronic wasteor e-wastedescribes discarded electrical or electronic devices. Used

electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling or disposal are also considered

e-waste. Informal processing of electronic waste in developing countries may cause serioushealth and pollution problems, as these countries have limited regulatory oversight of e-waste

processing.

Electronic scrap components, such asCRTs, may contain contaminants such as lead, cadmium,

beryllium, orbrominated flame retardants. Even in developed countries recycling and disposal ofe-wastemay involve significant ris to worers and communities and great care must be taen to

avoid unsafe e!posure in recycling operations and leaing of materials such as heavy metals

from landfillsand incineratorashes."#$

Definition

%oarding &left', disassembling &center' and collecting &right' electronic waste in (engaluru, India
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_deviceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berylliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brominated_flame_retardanthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste_recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste_recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landfillhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incineratorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-Sthiannopkao_S_2012-1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengaluruhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berylliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brominated_flame_retardanthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste_recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste_recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landfillhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incineratorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-Sthiannopkao_S_2012-1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengaluruhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_devices


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)Electronic waste) may be defined as discarded computers, office electronic e*uipment,

entertainment device electronics,mobile phones,television sets,andrefrigerators. This includes

used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal. +thers arere-usables &woring and repairable electronics' and secondary scrap &copper, steel,plastic,etc.'

to be )commodities), and reserve the term )waste) for residue or material which is dumped by

the buyer rather than recycled, including residue from reuse and recycling operations. (ecauseloads of surplus electronics are fre*uently commingled &good, recyclable, and non-recyclable',

several public policy advocates apply the term )e-waste) broadly to all surplus electronics.

Cathode ray tubes&CRTs' are considered one of the hardest types to recycle."$

CRTs have relatively high concentration of lead andphosphors&not to be confused withphosphorus', both of which are necessary for the display. The United tates Environmental

rotection /gency&E/' includes discarded CRT monitors in its category of )ha0ardous

household waste)"1$but considers CRTs that have been set aside for testing to be commodities ifthey are not discarded, speculatively accumulated, or left unprotected from weather and other

damage.

The EU and its member states operate a system via the European 2aste Catalogue &E2C'- a

European Council 3irective, which is interpreted into )member state law). In the U4 &an EUmember state'. This is in the form of the 5ist of 2astes 3irective. %owever, the list &and E2C'

gives broad definition &E2C Code #6 7 #18' of %a0ardous Electronic wastes, re*uiring )waste

operators) to employ the %a0ardous 2aste Regulations &/nne! #/, /nne! #(' for refineddefinition. Constituent materials in the waste also re*uire assessment via the combination of

/nne! II and /nne! III, again allowing operators to further determine whether a waste is

ha0ardous."9$

3ebate continues over the distinction between )commodity) and )waste) electronics definitions.

ome e!porters are accused of deliberately leaving difficult-to-recycle, obsolete, or non-repairable e*uipment mi!ed in loads of woring e*uipment &though this may also come through

ignorance, or to avoid more costly treatment processes'. rotectionists may broaden thedefinition of )waste) electronics in order to protect domestic marets from woring secondary

e*uipment.

The high value of the computer recyclingsubset of electronic waste &woring and reusable

laptops, destops, and components lie R/:' can help pay the cost of transportation for a largernumber of worthless pieces than can be achieved with display devices, which have less &or

negative' scrap value. In / 7## report, );hana E-2aste Country /ssessment),"


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Amount of electronic waste world-wide

/ fragment of discarded circuit board.

Rapid changes in technology, changes in media &tapes, software, :1', falling prices, and

planned obsolescencehave resulted in a fast-growing surplus of electronic waste around theglobe. Technical solutions are available, but in most cases a legal framewor, a collection,

logistics, and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied.

3isplay units &CRT, 5C3, 5E3 monitors', processors &CU, ;U, or /U chips', memory

&3R/: or R/:', and audio components have different useful lives. rocessors are mostfre*uently out-dated &by software no longer being optimi0ed' and are more liely to become )e-

waste), while display units are most often replaced while woring without repair attempts, due to

changes in wealthy nation appetites for new display technology. This problem could potentiallybe solved with :odular martphonesor hone(los. These types of phones are more durable

and have the technology to change certain parts of the phone maing them more environmentally

friendly. (eing able to simply replace the part of the phone that is broen will reduce e-waste.

"6$

/n estimated $"?$

/ccording to a report by U@E titled, )Recycling - from E-2aste to Resources,) the amount ofe-waste being produced - including mobile phones and computers - could rise by as much as


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over >A6 million i3evices &iod, ihone, iad'. Cell phone companies mae cell phones that are

not made to last so that the consumer will purchase new phones. Companies give these products

such short life spans because they now that the consumer will want a new product and will buyit if they mae it."#1$In the United tates, an estimated >7= of heavy metals in landfills comes

from discarded electronics."#9$"#


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outh 4orea, Taiwan, and southern China all e!celled in finding )retained value) in used goods,

and in some cases have set up billion-dollar industries in refurbishing used in cartridges, single-

use cameras, and woring CRTs. Refurbishing has traditionally been a threat to establishedmanufacturing, and simple protectionism e!plains some criticism of the trade. 2ors lie )The

2aste :aers) by Dance acarde!plain some of the criticism of e!ports of woring product,

for e!ample the ban on import of tested woringentium 9laptops to China, or the bans one!port of used surplus woring electronics by apan.

+pponents of surplus electronics e!ports argue that lower environmental and labor standards,

cheap labor, and the relatively high value of recovered raw materials leads to a transfer of

pollution-generating activities, such as smelting of copper wire. In China, :alaysia, India,4enya, and various /frican countries, electronic waste is being sent to these countries for

processing, sometimes illegally. :any surplus laptops are routed to developing nationsas

)dumping grounds for e-waste)."#?$

(ecause the United tates has not ratified the(asel Conventionor its(an /mendment, and has

few domestic federal laws forbidding the e!port of to!ic waste, the (asel /ction @etworestimates that about ?7= of the electronic waste directed to recycling in the U.. does not get

recycled there at all, but is put on container shipsand sent to countries such as China."#A$"7$"#$"$This figure is disputed as an e!aggeration by the E/, the Institute of crap Recycling

Industries, and the 2orld Reuse, Repair and Recycling /ssociation.

Independent research by /ri0ona tate Universityshowed that ?>-??= of imported used

computers did not have a higher value than the best value of the constituent materials theycontained, and that )the official trade in end-of-life computers is thus driven by reuse as opposed

to recycling)."1$

Guiyu waste dump

:ain article Electronic waste in China

The E-waste centre of/gbogbloshie, ;hana, where electronic waste is burnt and disassembled

with no safety or environmental considerations.

;uiyuin the hantouregion of China is a huge electronic waste processing area."#A$"9$"


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to snip cables, pry chips from circuit boards, grind plastic computer cases into particles, and dip

circuit boards in acid baths to dissolve the precious metals. +thers wor to strip insulation from

all wiring in an attempt to salvage tiny amounts of copper wire."6$Uncontrolled burning,disassembly, and disposal causes a variety of environmental problems such as groundwater

contamination, atmospheric pollution, or even water pollutioneither by immediate discharge or

due to surface runoff&especially near coastal areas', as well as health problems includingoccupational safety and healtheffects among those directly and indirectly involved, due to the

methods of processing the waste.

+nly limited investigations have been carried out on the health effects of ;uiyuFs poisoned

environment. +ne of them was carried out by rofessor %uo Gia, of the hantou University:edical College, which is an hour and a halfFs drive from ;uiyu. he tested #6< children for

concentrations of lead in their blood. ?= of the ;uiyu children had bloodHlead levels of more

than #77. /nything above that figure is considered unsafe by international health e!perts. Theaverage reading for the group was #9A.">$

%igh levels of lead in young childrenFs blood can impact I and the development of the centralnervous system. The highest concentrations of lead were found in the children of parents whose

worshop dealt with circuit boards and the lowest was among those who recycled plastic. ">$

i! of the many villages in ;uiyu speciali0e in circuit-board disassembly, seven in plastics andmetals reprocessing, and two in wire and cable disassembly. /bout a year ago the environmental

group ;reenpeace sampled dust, soil, river sediment and groundwater in ;uiyu where e-waste

recycling is done. They found soaring levels of to!ic heavy metals and organic contaminants inboth places."?$5ai Jun, a campaigner for the group found )over #7 poisonous metals, such as

lead, mercury and cadmium, in ;uiyu town.)

;uiyu is only one e!ample of digital dumps but similar places can be found across the worldsuch as /sia and /frica. 2ith amounts of e-waste growing rapidly each year urgent solutions arere*uired. 2hile the waste continues to flow into digital dumps lie ;uiyu there are measures that

can help reduce the flow of e-waste.">$

/ suggested preventative step involves the maBor electronics firms removing the worst chemicals

in their products in order to mae them safer and easier to recycle.

Trade

roponents of the trade say growth of internet access is a stronger correlation to trade than

poverty. %aitiis poor and closer to theport of @ew Jorthan southeast /sia, but far moreelectronic waste is e!ported from @ew Jor to /sia than to %aiti. Thousands of men, women,

and children are employed in reuse, refurbishing, repair, and remanufacturing, unsustainable

industries in decline in developed countries. 3enying developing nations access to usedelectronics may deny them sustainable employment, affordable products, and internet access, or

force them to deal with even less scrupulous suppliers. In a series of seven articles for The

/tlantic, hanghai-based reporter /dam :inter describes many of these computer repair andscrap separation activities as obBectively sustainable."A$
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-26https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-26https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-26https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_pollutionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_pollutionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_runoffhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupational_safety_and_healthhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-28https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitihttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Port_of_a_New_York_and_New_Jersey&action=edit&redlink=1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-29https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-29https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-26https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_pollutionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_runoffhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupational_safety_and_healthhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-28https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitihttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Port_of_a_New_York_and_New_Jersey&action=edit&redlink=1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-29


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+pponents of the trade argue that developing countries utili0e methods that are more harmful and

more wasteful. /n e!pedient and prevalent method is simply to toss e*uipment onto an open fire,

in order to melt plastics and to burn away non-valuable metals. This releases carcinogensandneuroto!insinto the air, contributing to an acrid, lingering smog. These no!ious fumes include

dio!insand furans. (onfire refuse can be disposed of *uicly into drainage ditches or waterways

feeding the ocean or local water supplies."$

In une 77?, a container of electronic waste, destined from theort of +alandin the U.. toanshui 3istrictin mainland China, was intercepted in %ong 4ong by ;reenpeace."17$Concern

over e!ports of electronic waste were raised in press reports in India, "1#$"1$;hana,"11$"19$"1$

Environmental impact

+ld eyboards

The processes of dismantling and disposing of electronic waste in the third world lead to a

number of environmental impacts as illustrated in the graphic. 5i*uid and atmospheric releases

end up in bodies of water, groundwater, soil, and air and therefore in land and sea animals L bothdomesticated and wild, in crops eaten by both animals and human, and in drining water."1?$

+ne study of environmental effects in ;uiyu, China found the following

/irborne dio!insL one type found at #77 times levels previously measured

5evels of carcinogensin duc pondsand rice paddiese!ceeded international standards

for agricultural areas and cadmium, copper, nicel, and lead levels in rice paddies were

above international standards

%eavy metalsfound in road dustL lead over 177 times that of a control villageMs road

dust and copper over #77 times"1A$

The environmental impact of the processing of different electronic waste components

E-Waste Component Process sed Potential Environmental !a"ard

Cathode ray tubes &used (reaing and removal of 5ead, barium and other heavy metals
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurotoxinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polychlorinated_dibenzodioxinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-ng-22https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Oaklandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Oaklandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Oaklandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanshui_Districthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainland_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenpeacehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-30https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-31https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-32https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghanahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-33https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-34https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-35https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4te_d'Ivoirehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4te_d'Ivoirehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-36https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeriahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-37https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-38https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-38https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dioxinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_pondhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_paddyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metal_(chemistry)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_dusthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-39https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurotoxinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polychlorinated_dibenzodioxinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-ng-22https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Oaklandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanshui_Districthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainland_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenpeacehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-30https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-31https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-32https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghanahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-33https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-34https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-35https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4te_d'Ivoirehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4te_d'Ivoirehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-36https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeriahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-37https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-38https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dioxinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_pondhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_paddyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metal_(chemistry)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_dusthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-39


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in TDs, computer

monitors, /T:, videocameras, and more'

yoe, then dumpingleaching into the ground water and release

of to!ic phosphor

rinted circuit board

&image behind table - a

thin plate on which chipsand other electronic

components are placed'

3e-soldering and removal

of computer chipsN open

burning and acid baths toremove final metals after

chips are removed.

/ir emissions as well as discharge into

rivers of glass dust, tin, lead, brominateddio!in, beryllium cadmium, and mercury

Chips and other gold

plated components

Chemical stripping using

nitric and hydrochloric

acid and burning of chips

%ydrocarbons, heavy metals, brominatedsubstances discharged directly into rivers

acidifying fish and flora. Tin and lead

contamination of surface and groundwater.

/ir emissions of brominated dio!ins, heavymetals and hydrocarbons

lastics from printers,

eyboards, monitors, etc.

hredding and low temp

melting to be reused

Emissions of brominated dio!ins, heavy

metals and hydrocarbons

Computer wires+pen burning andstripping to remove

copper

%ydrocarbon ashes released into air, water

and soil.

"97$

#nformation security

E-waste presents a potential securitythreat to individuals and e!porting countries.%ard drives

that are not properly erased before the computer is disposed of can be reopened, e!posing

sensitive information. Credit cardnumbers, private financial data, account information, andrecords of onlinetransactions can be accessed by most willing individuals. +rgani0ed criminalsin ;hana commonly search the drives for information to use in local scams."9#$

;overnment contracts have been discovered on hard drives found in/gbogbloshie. :ulti-

million dollar agreements from United tates security institutions such as the 3efenseIntelligence /gency&3I/', the Transportation ecurity /dministrationand %omeland ecurity

have all resurfaced in /gbogbloshie."9#$"9$

E-waste management

$ecycling
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-40https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_driveshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_driveshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_cardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_cardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onlinehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onlinehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scamshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r4-41https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r4-41https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agbogbloshiehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agbogbloshiehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Intelligence_Agencyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Intelligence_Agencyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Intelligence_Agencyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_Security_Administrationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeland_Securityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r4-41https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r4-41https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r13-42https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-40https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_driveshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_cardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onlinehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scamshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r4-41https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agbogbloshiehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Intelligence_Agencyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Intelligence_Agencyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_Security_Administrationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeland_Securityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r4-41https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r13-42


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Computer monitors are typically paced into low stacs on wooden pallets forrecyclingand then

shrin-wrapped.ee also Computer recycling

/udiovisual components, televisions, DCRs,stereo e*uipment,mobile phones, other handheld

devices, and computer componentscontain valuable elements and substances suitable for

reclamation, including lead, copper, and gold.

+ne of the maBor challenges is recycling the printed circuit boards from the electronic wastes.The circuit boards contain such precious metals as gold, silver, platinum, etc. and such base

metals as copper, iron, aluminum, etc. +ne way e-waste is processed is by melting circuit boards,

burning cable sheathing to recover copper wire and open- pit acid leaching for separating metalsof value."91$Conventional method employed is mechanical shredding and separation but the

recycling efficiency is low. /lternative methods such ascryogenic decompositionhave been

studied for printed circuit board recycling,"99$and some other methods are still underinvestigation.

/s properly disposing of or reusing electronics can help prevent health problems, reduce

greenhouse-gas emissions and create Bobs, "9


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conserving limited resources. The two E/-endorsed certification programs areResponsible

Recyclers ractices &R'and E-tewards.Certified companies ensure they are meeting strict

environmental standards which ma!imi0e reuse and recycling, minimi0e e!posure to humanhealth or the environment, ensure safe management of materials and re*uire destruction of all

data used on electronics."9>$Certified electronics recyclers have demonstrated through audits and

other means that they continually meet specific high environmental standards and safely manageused electronics. +nce certified, the recycler is held to the particular standard by continual

oversight by the independent accredited certifying body. / certification board accredits and

oversees certifying bodies to ensure that they meet specific responsibilities and are competent toaudit and provide certification."9?$

ome U.. retailers offer opportunities for consumer recycling of discarded electronic devices."9A$

"


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The 2orld Reuse, Repair, and Recycling /ssociation &wr1a.org' is an organi0ation dedicated to

improving the *uality of e!ported electronics, encouraging better recycling standards in

importing countries, and improving practices through )Pair Trade) principles.

Tae (ac :y TD"


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and screens. :agnets, eddy currents, and trommel screensare employed to separate glass,

plastic, and ferrousand nonferrous metals, which can then be further separated at a smelter.

5eaded glass from CRTs is reused in car batteries, ammunition, and lead wheel weights, or soldto foundries as a flu!ing agentin processing raw lead ore. Copper, gold, palladium, silver and tin

are valuable metals sold to smeltersfor recycling. %a0ardous smoe and gases are captured,contained and treated to mitigate environmental threat. These methods allow for safe reclamation

of all valuable computer construction materials. %ewlett-acard product recycling solutionsmanager Renee t. 3enis describes its process as )2e move them through giant shredders about

17 feet tall and it shreds everything into pieces about the si0e of a *uarter. +nce your dis drive

is shredded into pieces about this big, itFs hard to get the data off)."6


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ome computer components can be reused in assembling new computer products, while others

are reduced to metals that can be reused in applications as varied as construction, flatware, and

Bewelry.

ubstances found in large *uantities include epo!y resins, fiberglass, C(s,DC&polyvinyl

chlorides', thermosetting plastics, lead, tin,copper,silicon,beryllium, carbon,ironandaluminium.

Elements found in small amounts include cadmium,mercury, and thallium."6?$

Elements found in trace amounts include americium,antimony, arsenic,barium,bismuth,boron,cobalt,europium,gallium, germanium,gold, indium, lithium,manganese, nicel,niobium,

palladium,platinum, rhodium,ruthenium, selenium, silver,tantalum,terbium, thorium, titanium,

vanadium,and yttrium.

/lmost all electronics contain lead and tin &as solder' and copper &as wire andprinted circuit

boardtracs', though the use of lead-free solder is now spreading rapidly. The following areordinary applications

!a"ardous

Recyclers in the street ino aulo, (ra0il with old computers

/mericium The radioactive source in smoe alarms. It is nown to be carcinogenic.

:ercury Pound in fluorescent tubes&numerous applications', tilt switches &mechanical

doorbells, thermostats',"6A$and flat screen monitors. %ealth effects include sensory

impairment, dermatitis, memory loss, and muscle weaness. E!posure in-utero causes

fetal deficits in motor function, attention and verbal domains.">7$Environmental effects in

animals include death, reduced fertility, and slower growth and development.

ulphur Pound in lead-acid batteries. %ealth effects include liver damage, idney

damage, heart damage, eye and throat irritation. 2hen released into the environment, it

can create sulphuric acid.

(PRs Used as flame retardants in plastics in most electronics. Includes((s, (3E,

3eca(3E, +cta(3E,enta(3E. %ealth effects include impaired development of thenervous system, thyroid problems, liver problems. Environmental effects similar effects
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epoxy#Electrical_systems_and_electronicshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiberglasshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCBshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PVChttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PVChttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermosetting_plasticshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siliconhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siliconhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berylliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-sl2007-68https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimonyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimonyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bariumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismuthhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boronhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boronhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germaniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manganesehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manganesehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickelhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickelhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niobiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niobiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palladiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutheniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seleniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantalumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantalumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terbiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terbiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoriumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titaniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanadiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanadiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yttriumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printed_circuit_boardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printed_circuit_boardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Paulohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Paulohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_alarmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescent_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescent_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermostathttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-69https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphurhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-acid_batterieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphuric_acidhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brominated_Flame_Retardantshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBBshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBBshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DecaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OctaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OctaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PentaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epoxy#Electrical_systems_and_electronicshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiberglasshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCBshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PVChttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermosetting_plasticshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siliconhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berylliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-sl2007-68https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimonyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bariumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismuthhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boronhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germaniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manganesehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickelhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niobiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palladiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutheniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seleniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantalumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terbiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoriumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titaniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanadiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yttriumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printed_circuit_boardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printed_circuit_boardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Paulohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_alarmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescent_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermostathttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-69https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphurhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-acid_batterieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphuric_acidhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brominated_Flame_Retardantshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBBshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DecaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OctaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PentaBDE


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as in animals as humans. ((s were banned from #A>1 to #A>> on. C(s were banned

during the #A?7s.

Cadmium Pound in light-sensitive resistors, corrosion-resistant alloys for marine and

aviation environments, and nicel-cadmium batteries. The most common form of

cadmium is found in @icel-cadmium rechargeable batteries. These batteries tend tocontain between 6 and #?= cadmium. The sale of @icel-Cadmium batteries has been

banned in the European Union e!cept for medical use. 2hen not properly recycled it canleach into the soil, harming microorganisms and disrupting the soil ecosystem. E!posure

is caused by pro!imity to ha0ardous waste sites and factories and worers in the metal

refining industry. The inhalation of cadmium can cause severe damage to the lungs and isalso nown to cause idney damage.">#$Cadmium is also associated with deficits in

cognition, learning, behavior, and neuromotor sills in children.">7$

5ead older, CRT monitor glass, lead-acid batteries, some formulations of DC. /

typical #7$

(eryllium o!ide Piller in some thermal interface materials such as thermal greaseused

on heatsinsfor CUsandpower transistors,">$magnetrons, G-ray-transparent ceramic

windows, heat transfer fins in vacuum tubes, and gas lasers.

erfluorooctanoic acid&P+/' Pound in @on-stic cooware &TPE', used as an

antistatic additive in industrial applications, and found in electronics. P+/s are formed

synthetically through environmental degradation and, in mice, after oral uptae. tudies

in mice have found the following health effects %epatoto!icity, developmental to!icity,immunoto!icity, hormonal effects and carcinogenic effects. tudies have found increased

maternal P+/ levels to be associated with an increased ris of spontaneous abortion&miscarriage' and stillbirth. Increased maternal levels of P+/ are also associated with

decreases in mean gestational age &preterm birth', mean birth weight &low birth weight',

mean birth length &small for gestational age', and mean /;/R score.">1$

%e!avalent chromium / nown carcinogen after occupational inhalation e!posure.">7$

There is also evidence of cytoto!ic and genoto!ic effects of some chemicals, which have beenshown to inhibit cell proliferation, cause cell membrane lesion, cause 3@/ single-strand breas,

and elevate Reactive +!ygen pecies &R+' levels.">9$

3@/ breas can increase the lielihood of developing cancer &if the damage is to a tumor

suppressor gene'

3@/ damages are a special problem in non-dividing or slowly dividing cells, where

unrepaired damages will tend to accumulate over time. +n the other hand, in rapidly
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel-cadmium_batterieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-71https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solderhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-acid_batterieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-sb-3https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryllium_oxidehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_greasehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_greasehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heatsinkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CPUhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_semiconductor_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_semiconductor_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-apmag-72https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetronhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_laserhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_laserhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfluorooctanoic_acidhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-wu-73https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexavalent_chromiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-liulin-74https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel-cadmium_batterieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-71https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solderhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-acid_batterieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-sb-3https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryllium_oxidehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_greasehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heatsinkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CPUhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_semiconductor_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-apmag-72https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetronhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_laserhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfluorooctanoic_acidhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-wu-73https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexavalent_chromiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-liulin-74


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dividing cells, unrepaired 3@/ damages that do not ill the cell by blocing replication

will tend to cause replication errors and thus mutation

Elevated Reactive +!ygen pecies &R+' levels can cause damage to cell structures

&o!idative stress'">9$

Generally non-ha"ardous

/n i:ac ;9that has beenrepurposedinto a lamp&photographed ne!t to a :ac Classic and a flip

phone'.

/luminium nearly all electronic goods using more than a few watts of power &heatsins',

electrolytic capacitors.

Copper copper wire,printed circuit boardtracs, component leads.

;ermanium #A


16/31

health and pollution problems, as these countries have limited regulatory oversight of e-waste

processing.

Electronic scrap components, such asCRTs, may contain contaminants such as lead, cadmium,beryllium, orbrominated flame retardants. Even in developed countries recycling and disposal of

e-wastemay involve significant ris to worers and communities and great care must be taen toavoid unsafe e!posure in recycling operations and leaing of materials such as heavy metals

from landfillsand incineratorashes."#$

Contents

# 3efinition

/mount of electronic waste world-wide

1 ;lobal trade issues

o 1.# ;uiyu waste dump

o 1. Trade

9 Environmental impact

< Information security

6 E-waste management

o 6.# Recycling

o 6. Consumer awareness efforts

o 6.1 rocessing techni*ues

o 6.9 (enefits of recycling

> Electronic waste substances

o >.# %a0ardous

o >. ;enerally non-ha0ardous

? ee also

A References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berylliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brominated_flame_retardanthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste_recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste_recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landfillhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incineratorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-Sthiannopkao_S_2012-1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Definitionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Amount_of_electronic_waste_world-widehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Global_trade_issueshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Global_trade_issueshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Guiyu_waste_dumphttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Tradehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Environmental_impacthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Information_securityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#E-waste_managementhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Consumer_awareness_effortshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Processing_techniqueshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Benefits_of_recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Electronic_waste_substanceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Hazardoushttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Generally_non-hazardoushttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#See_alsohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Referenceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berylliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brominated_flame_retardanthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste_recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste_recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landfillhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incineratorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-Sthiannopkao_S_2012-1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Definitionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Amount_of_electronic_waste_world-widehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Global_trade_issueshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Guiyu_waste_dumphttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Tradehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Environmental_impacthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Information_securityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#E-waste_managementhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Consumer_awareness_effortshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Processing_techniqueshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Benefits_of_recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Electronic_waste_substanceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Hazardoushttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Generally_non-hazardoushttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#See_alsohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#References


17/31

#7 Purther reading

## E!ternal lins

Definition

%oarding &left', disassembling &center' and collecting &right' electronic waste in (engaluru, India

)Electronic waste) may be defined as discarded computers, office electronic e*uipment,

entertainment device electronics,mobile phones,television sets,andrefrigerators. This includes

used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal. +thers arere-usables &woring and repairable electronics' and secondary scrap &copper, steel,plastic,etc.'

to be )commodities), and reserve the term )waste) for residue or material which is dumped by

the buyer rather than recycled, including residue from reuse and recycling operations. (ecauseloads of surplus electronics are fre*uently commingled &good, recyclable, and non-recyclable',

several public policy advocates apply the term )e-waste) broadly to all surplus electronics.

Cathode ray tubes&CRTs' are considered one of the hardest types to recycle."$
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Further_readinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#External_linkshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengaluruhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronicshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronicshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phoneshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_sethttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_sethttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_sethttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refrigeratorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refrigeratorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steelhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#Further_readinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#External_linkshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengaluruhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronicshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phoneshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_sethttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refrigeratorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steelhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-2


18/31

CRTs have relatively high concentration of lead andphosphors&not to be confused with

phosphorus', both of which are necessary for the display. The United tates Environmental

rotection /gency&E/' includes discarded CRT monitors in its category of )ha0ardoushousehold waste)"1$but considers CRTs that have been set aside for testing to be commodities if

they are not discarded, speculatively accumulated, or left unprotected from weather and other

damage.

The EU and its member states operate a system via the European 2aste Catalogue &E2C'- aEuropean Council 3irective, which is interpreted into )member state law). In the U4 &an EU

member state'. This is in the form of the 5ist of 2astes 3irective. %owever, the list &and E2C'

gives broad definition &E2C Code #6 7 #18' of %a0ardous Electronic wastes, re*uiring )wasteoperators) to employ the %a0ardous 2aste Regulations &/nne! #/, /nne! #(' for refined

definition. Constituent materials in the waste also re*uire assessment via the combination of

/nne! II and /nne! III, again allowing operators to further determine whether a waste isha0ardous."9$

3ebate continues over the distinction between )commodity) and )waste) electronics definitions.ome e!porters are accused of deliberately leaving difficult-to-recycle, obsolete, or non-

repairable e*uipment mi!ed in loads of woring e*uipment &though this may also come throughignorance, or to avoid more costly treatment processes'. rotectionists may broaden the

definition of )waste) electronics in order to protect domestic marets from woring secondary

e*uipment.

The high value of the computer recyclingsubset of electronic waste &woring and reusablelaptops, destops, and components lie R/:' can help pay the cost of transportation for a larger

number of worthless pieces than can be achieved with display devices, which have less &or

negative' scrap value. In / 7## report, );hana E-2aste Country /ssessment),"


19/31

framewor, a collection, logistics, and other services need to be implemented before a technical

solution can be applied.

3isplay units &CRT, 5C3, 5E3 monitors', processors &CU, ;U, or /U chips', memory&3R/: or R/:', and audio components have different useful lives. rocessors are most

fre*uently out-dated &by software no longer being optimi0ed' and are more liely to become )e-waste), while display units are most often replaced while woring without repair attempts, due to

changes in wealthy nation appetites for new display technology. This problem could potentiallybe solved with :odular martphonesor hone(los. These types of phones are more durable

and have the technology to change certain parts of the phone maing them more environmentally

friendly. (eing able to simply replace the part of the phone that is broen will reduce e-waste. "6$/n estimated $"?$

/ccording to a report by U@E titled, )Recycling - from E-2aste to Resources,) the amount ofe-waste being produced - including mobile phones and computers - could rise by as much as


20/31

Electronic waste is often e!ported to developing countries.

9.


21/31

(ecause the United tates has not ratified the(asel Conventionor its(an /mendment, and has

few domestic federal laws forbidding the e!port of to!ic waste, the (asel /ction @etwor

estimates that about ?7= of the electronic waste directed to recycling in the U.. does not getrecycled there at all, but is put on container shipsand sent to countries such as China."#A$"7$"#$"$

This figure is disputed as an e!aggeration by the E/, the Institute of crap Recycling

Industries, and the 2orld Reuse, Repair and Recycling /ssociation.

Independent research by /ri0ona tate Universityshowed that ?>-??= of imported usedcomputers did not have a higher value than the best value of the constituent materials they

contained, and that )the official trade in end-of-life computers is thus driven by reuse as opposed

to recycling)."1$

Guiyu waste dump

:ain article Electronic waste in China

The E-waste centre of/gbogbloshie, ;hana, where electronic waste is burnt and disassembled

with no safety or environmental considerations.

;uiyuin the hantouregion of China is a huge electronic waste processing area."#A$"9$"$
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_Conventionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_Conventionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_Conventionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_Banhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_Banhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_Action_Networkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_Action_Networkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Container_shiphttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Container_shiphttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-harm-19https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-20https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-21https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-ng-22https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-ng-22https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Scrap_Recycling_Industrieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Scrap_Recycling_Industrieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Reuse,_Repair_and_Recycling_Associationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Reuse,_Repair_and_Recycling_Associationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona_State_Universityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-23https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste_in_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agbogbloshiehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agbogbloshiehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guiyu_Townhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shantouhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-harm-19https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-24https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-25https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-26https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-26https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-26https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_pollutionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_pollutionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_runoffhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupational_safety_and_healthhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_Conventionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_Banhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_Action_Networkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Container_shiphttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-harm-19https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-20https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-21https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-ng-22https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Scrap_Recycling_Industrieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Scrap_Recycling_Industrieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Reuse,_Repair_and_Recycling_Associationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona_State_Universityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-23https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste_in_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agbogbloshiehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guiyu_Townhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shantouhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-harm-19https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-24https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-25https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-26https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_pollutionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_runoffhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupational_safety_and_healthhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27


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%igh levels of lead in young childrenFs blood can impact I and the development of the central

nervous system. The highest concentrations of lead were found in the children of parents whose

worshop dealt with circuit boards and the lowest was among those who recycled plastic. ">$

i! of the many villages in ;uiyu speciali0e in circuit-board disassembly, seven in plastics and

metals reprocessing, and two in wire and cable disassembly. /bout a year ago the environmentalgroup ;reenpeace sampled dust, soil, river sediment and groundwater in ;uiyu where e-waste

recycling is done. They found soaring levels of to!ic heavy metals and organic contaminants inboth places."?$5ai Jun, a campaigner for the group found )over #7 poisonous metals, such as

lead, mercury and cadmium, in ;uiyu town.)

;uiyu is only one e!ample of digital dumps but similar places can be found across the worldsuch as /sia and /frica. 2ith amounts of e-waste growing rapidly each year urgent solutions are

re*uired. 2hile the waste continues to flow into digital dumps lie ;uiyu there are measures that

can help reduce the flow of e-waste.">$

/ suggested preventative step involves the maBor electronics firms removing the worst chemicalsin their products in order to mae them safer and easier to recycle.

Trade

roponents of the trade say growth of internet access is a stronger correlation to trade thanpoverty. %aitiis poor and closer to theport of @ew Jorthan southeast /sia, but far more

electronic waste is e!ported from @ew Jor to /sia than to %aiti. Thousands of men, women,

and children are employed in reuse, refurbishing, repair, and remanufacturing, unsustainableindustries in decline in developed countries. 3enying developing nations access to used

electronics may deny them sustainable employment, affordable products, and internet access, or

force them to deal with even less scrupulous suppliers. In a series of seven articles for The/tlantic, hanghai-based reporter /dam :inter describes many of these computer repair andscrap separation activities as obBectively sustainable."A$

+pponents of the trade argue that developing countries utili0e methods that are more harmful and

more wasteful. /n e!pedient and prevalent method is simply to toss e*uipment onto an open fire,

in order to melt plastics and to burn away non-valuable metals. This releases carcinogensandneuroto!insinto the air, contributing to an acrid, lingering smog. These no!ious fumes include

dio!insand furans. (onfire refuse can be disposed of *uicly into drainage ditches or waterways

feeding the ocean or local water supplies."$

In une 77?, a container of electronic waste, destined from theort of +alandin the U.. toanshui 3istrictin mainland China, was intercepted in %ong 4ong by ;reenpeace."17$Concern

over e!ports of electronic waste were raised in press reports in India, "1#$"1$;hana,"11$"19$"1$

Environmental impact
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-28https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitihttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Port_of_a_New_York_and_New_Jersey&action=edit&redlink=1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-29https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-29https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurotoxinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polychlorinated_dibenzodioxinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-ng-22https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Oaklandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Oaklandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Oaklandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanshui_Districthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainland_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenpeacehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-30https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-31https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-32https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghanahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-33https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-34https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-35https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4te_d'Ivoirehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4te_d'Ivoirehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-36https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeriahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-37https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-28https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-greenpeace.org-27https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitihttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Port_of_a_New_York_and_New_Jersey&action=edit&redlink=1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-29https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurotoxinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polychlorinated_dibenzodioxinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-ng-22https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Oaklandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanshui_Districthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainland_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenpeacehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-30https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-31https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-32https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghanahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-33https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-34https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-35https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4te_d'Ivoirehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4te_d'Ivoirehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-36https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeriahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-37


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+ld eyboards

The processes of dismantling and disposing of electronic waste in the third world lead to a

number of environmental impacts as illustrated in the graphic. 5i*uid and atmospheric releases

end up in bodies of water, groundwater, soil, and air and therefore in land and sea animals L bothdomesticated and wild, in crops eaten by both animals and human, and in drining water."1?$

+ne study of environmental effects in ;uiyu, China found the following

/irborne dio!insL one type found at #77 times levels previously measured

5evels of carcinogensin duc pondsand rice paddiese!ceeded international standards

for agricultural areas and cadmium, copper, nicel, and lead levels in rice paddies were

above international standards

%eavy metalsfound in road dustL lead over 177 times that of a control villageMs road

dust and copper over #77 times"1A$

The environmental impact of the processing of different electronic waste components

E-Waste Component Process sed Potential Environmental !a"ard

Cathode ray tubes &used

in TDs, computermonitors, /T:, video

cameras, and more'

(reaing and removal ofyoe, then dumping

5ead, barium and other heavy metalsleaching into the ground water and release

of to!ic phosphor

rinted circuit board&image behind table - a

thin plate on which chips

and other electronic

components are placed'

3e-soldering and removalof computer chipsN open

burning and acid baths to

remove final metals after

chips are removed.

/ir emissions as well as discharge into

rivers of glass dust, tin, lead, brominated

dio!in, beryllium cadmium, and mercury

Chips and other goldplated components

Chemical stripping usingnitric and hydrochloric

acid and burning of chips

%ydrocarbons, heavy metals, brominated

substances discharged directly into rivers

acidifying fish and flora. Tin and leadcontamination of surface and groundwater.

/ir emissions of brominated dio!ins, heavy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-38https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-38https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dioxinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_pondhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_paddyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metal_(chemistry)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_dusthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-39https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-38https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dioxinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_pondhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_paddyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metal_(chemistry)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_dusthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-39


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lastics from printers,

eyboards, monitors, etc.

hredding and low temp

melting to be reused

Emissions of brominated dio!ins, heavy


Computer wires+pen burning andstripping to remove

copper

%ydrocarbon ashes released into air, water

and soil.

"97$

#nformation security

E-waste presents a potential securitythreat to individuals and e!porting countries.%ard drivesthat are not properly erased before the computer is disposed of can be reopened, e!posing

sensitive information. Credit cardnumbers, private financial data, account information, and

records of onlinetransactions can be accessed by most willing individuals. +rgani0ed criminalsin ;hana commonly search the drives for information to use in local scams."9#$

;overnment contracts have been discovered on hard drives found in/gbogbloshie. :ulti-

million dollar agreements from United tates security institutions such as the 3efense

Intelligence /gency&3I/', the Transportation ecurity /dministrationand %omeland ecurityhave all resurfaced in /gbogbloshie."9#$"9$

E-waste management

$ecycling

Computer monitors are typically paced into low stacs on wooden pallets forrecyclingand then

shrin-wrapped.ee also Computer recycling

/udiovisual components, televisions, DCRs,stereo e*uipment,mobile phones, other handheld

devices, and computer componentscontain valuable elements and substances suitable for

reclamation, including lead, copper, and gold.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-40https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_driveshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_driveshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_cardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_cardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onlinehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onlinehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scamshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r4-41https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r4-41https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agbogbloshiehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agbogbloshiehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Intelligence_Agencyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Intelligence_Agencyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Intelligence_Agencyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_Security_Administrationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeland_Securityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r4-41https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r4-41https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r13-42https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videocassette_recorderhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videocassette_recorderhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_recording_and_reproductionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phonehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phonehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardwarehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-40https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_driveshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_cardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onlinehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scamshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r4-41https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agbogbloshiehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Intelligence_Agencyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Intelligence_Agencyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_Security_Administrationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeland_Securityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r4-41https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-r13-42https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_recyclinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videocassette_recorderhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_recording_and_reproductionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phonehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardwarehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold


25/31

+ne of the maBor challenges is recycling the printed circuit boards from the electronic wastes.

The circuit boards contain such precious metals as gold, silver, platinum, etc. and such base

metals as copper, iron, aluminum, etc. +ne way e-waste is processed is by melting circuit boards,burning cable sheathing to recover copper wire and open- pit acid leaching for separating metals

of value."91$Conventional method employed is mechanical shredding and separation but the

recycling efficiency is low. /lternative methods such ascryogenic decompositionhave beenstudied for printed circuit board recycling,"99$and some other methods are still under

investigation.

/s properly disposing of or reusing electronics can help prevent health problems, reduce

greenhouse-gas emissions and create Bobs, "9$Certified electronics recyclers have demonstrated through audits and

other means that they continually meet specific high environmental standards and safely manage

used electronics. +nce certified, the recycler is held to the particular standard by continualoversight by the independent accredited certifying body. / certification board accredits and

oversees certifying bodies to ensure that they meet specific responsibilities and are competent to

audit and provide certification."9?$

ome U.. retailers offer opportunities for consumer recycling of discarded electronic devices.

"9A$

"


26/31

their end-of-life electronics, and the electronics industry would very much lie to see that level

of awareness increase. Consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers sponsor or operate more

than


27/31

Processing techni&ues

Recyclingthe lead from batteries.

In many developed countries, electronic waste processing usually first involves dismantling the

e*uipment into various parts &metal frames, power supplies, circuit boards, plastics', often by

hand, but increasingly by automated shredding e*uipment. / typical e!ample is the @/3I@electronic waste processing plant in@ovi Isar,(ulgariaQthe largest facility of its ind in

Eastern Europe."6$"61$The advantages of this process are the humanFs ability to recogni0e and save

woring and repairable parts, including chips, transistors, R/:, etc. The disadvantage is that thelabor is cheapest in countries with the lowest health and safety standards.

In an alternative bul system,"69$a hopper conveys material for shredding into an unsophisticated

mechanical separator, with screening and granulating machines to separate constituent metal and

plastic fractions, which are sold tosmeltersor plastics recyclers. uch recycling machinery isenclosed and employs a dust collection system. ome of the emissions are caught by scrubbers

and screens. :agnets, eddy currents, and trommel screensare employed to separate glass,

plastic, and ferrousand nonferrous metals, which can then be further separated at a smelter.

5eaded glass from CRTs is reused in car batteries, ammunition, and lead wheel weights, or soldto foundries as a flu!ing agentin processing raw lead ore. Copper, gold, palladium, silver and tin

are valuable metals sold to smeltersfor recycling. %a0ardous smoe and gases are captured,

contained and treated to mitigate environmental threat. These methods allow for safe reclamationof all valuable computer construction materials. %ewlett-acard product recycling solutions

manager Renee t. 3enis describes its process as )2e move them through giant shredders about

17 feet tall and it shreds everything into pieces about the si0e of a *uarter. +nce your dis drive

is shredded into pieces about this big, itFs hard to get the data off)."6


28/31

Recycling raw materials from end-of-life electronics is the most effective solution to the growing

e-waste problem. :ost electronic devices contain a variety of materials, including metals that

can be recovered for future uses. (y dismantling and providing reuse possibilities, intact naturalresources are conserved and air and water pollution caused by ha0ardous disposal is avoided.

/dditionally, recycling reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by the

manufacturing of new products."66$

(enefits of recycling are e!tended when responsible recycling methods are used. In the U..,responsible recycling aims to minimi0e the dangers to human health and the environment that

disposed and dismantled electronics can create. Responsible recycling ensures best management

practices of the electronics being recycled, worer health and safety, and consideration for theenvironment locally and abroad."6>$

Electronic waste substances

everal si0es of button and coin cell with Av batteries as a si0e comparison. They are all

recycled in many countries since they contain lead,mercuryandcadmium.

ome computer components can be reused in assembling new computer products, while othersare reduced to metals that can be reused in applications as varied as construction, flatware, and

Bewelry.

ubstances found in large *uantities include epo!y resins, fiberglass, C(s,DC&polyvinyl

chlorides', thermosetting plastics, lead, tin,copper,silicon,beryllium, carbon,ironandaluminium.

Elements found in small amounts include cadmium,mercury, and thallium."6?$

Elements found in trace amounts include americium,antimony, arsenic,barium,bismuth,boron,

cobalt,europium,gallium, germanium,gold, indium, lithium,manganese, nicel,niobium,palladium,platinum, rhodium,ruthenium, selenium, silver,tantalum,terbium, thorium, titanium,

vanadium,and yttrium.

/lmost all electronics contain lead and tin &as solder' and copper &as wire andprinted circuit

boardtracs', though the use of lead-free solder is now spreading rapidly. The following areordinary applications

!a"ardous
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-66https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-67https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epoxy#Electrical_systems_and_electronicshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiberglasshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCBshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PVChttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PVChttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermosetting_plasticshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siliconhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siliconhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berylliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-sl2007-68https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimonyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimonyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bariumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismuthhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boronhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boronhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germaniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manganesehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manganesehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickelhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickelhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niobiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niobiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palladiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutheniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seleniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantalumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantalumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terbiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terbiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoriumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titaniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanadiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanadiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yttriumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printed_circuit_boardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printed_circuit_boardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-66https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-67https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epoxy#Electrical_systems_and_electronicshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiberglasshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCBshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PVChttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermosetting_plasticshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siliconhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berylliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-sl2007-68https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimonyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bariumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismuthhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boronhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galliumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germaniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manganesehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickelhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niobiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palladiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutheniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seleniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantalumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terbiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoriumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titaniumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanadiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yttriumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printed_circuit_boardhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printed_circuit_board


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Recyclers in the street ino aulo, (ra0il with old computers

/mericium The radioactive source in smoe alarms. It is nown to be carcinogenic.

:ercury Pound in fluorescent tubes&numerous applications', tilt switches &mechanical

doorbells, thermostats',"6A$and flat screen monitors. %ealth effects include sensory

impairment, dermatitis, memory loss, and muscle weaness. E!posure in-utero causes

fetal deficits in motor function, attention and verbal domains.">7$Environmental effects in

animals include death, reduced fertility, and slower growth and development.

ulphur Pound in lead-acid batteries. %ealth effects include liver damage, idney

damage, heart damage, eye and throat irritation. 2hen released into the environment, it

can create sulphuric acid.

(PRs Used as flame retardants in plastics in most electronics. Includes((s, (3E,

3eca(3E, +cta(3E,enta(3E. %ealth effects include impaired development of thenervous system, thyroid problems, liver problems. Environmental effects similar effects

as in animals as humans. ((s were banned from #A>1 to #A>> on. C(s were banned

during the #A?7s.

Cadmium Pound in light-sensitive resistors, corrosion-resistant alloys for marine and

aviation environments, and nicel-cadmium batteries. The most common form ofcadmium is found in @icel-cadmium rechargeable batteries. These batteries tend to

contain between 6 and #?= cadmium. The sale of @icel-Cadmium batteries has been

banned in the European Union e!cept for medical use. 2hen not properly recycled it canleach into the soil, harming microorganisms and disrupting the soil ecosystem. E!posure

is caused by pro!imity to ha0ardous waste sites and factories and worers in the metal

refining industry. The inhalation of cadmium can cause severe damage to the lungs and isalso nown to cause idney damage.">#$Cadmium is also associated with deficits in

cognition, learning, behavior, and neuromotor sills in children.">7$

5ead older, CRT monitor glass, lead-acid batteries, some formulations of DC. /

typical #7$
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Paulohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Paulohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_alarmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescent_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescent_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermostathttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-69https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphurhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-acid_batterieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphuric_acidhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brominated_Flame_Retardantshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBBshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBBshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DecaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OctaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OctaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PentaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel-cadmium_batterieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-71https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solderhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-acid_batterieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-sb-3https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Paulohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_alarmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescent_tubehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermostathttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-69https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphurhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-acid_batterieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphuric_acidhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brominated_Flame_Retardantshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBBshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DecaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OctaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PentaBDEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmiumhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel-cadmium_batterieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-71https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solderhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-acid_batterieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-sb-3https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste#cite_note-chen-70


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(eryllium o!ide Piller in some thermal interface materials such as thermal greaseused

on heatsinsfor CUsandpower transistors,">$magnetrons, G-ray-transparent ceramic

windows, heat transfer fins in vacuum tubes, and gas lasers.

erfluorooctanoic acid&P+/' Pound in @on-stic cooware &TPE', used as an

antistatic additive in industrial applications, and found in electronics. P+/s are formedsynthetically through environmental degradation and, in mice, after oral uptae. tudies

in mice have found the following health effects %epatoto!icity, developmental to!icity,immunoto!icity, hormonal effects and carcinogenic effects. tudies have found increased

maternal P+/ levels to be associated with an increased ris of spontaneous abortion

&miscarriage' and stillbirth. Increased maternal levels of P+/ are also associated with

decreases in mean gestational age &preterm birth', mean birth weight &low birth weight',mean birth length &small for gestational age', and mean /;/R score.">1$

%e!avalent chromium / nown carcinogen after occupational inhalation e!posure.">7$

There is also evidence of cytoto!ic and genoto!ic effects of some chemicals, which have beenshown to inhibit cell proliferation, cause cell membrane lesion, cause 3@/ single-strand breas,and elevate Reactive +!ygen pecies &R+' levels.">9$

3@/ breas can increase the lielihood of developing cancer &if the damage is to a tumor

suppressor gene'

3@/ damages are a special problem in non-dividing or slowly dividing cells, where

unrepaired damages will tend to accumulate over time. +n the other hand, in rapidlydividing cells, unrepaired 3@/ damages that do not ill the cell by blocing replication

will tend to cause replication errors and thus mutation

Elevated Reactive +!ygen pecies &R+' levels can cause damage to cell structures

&o!idative stress'">9$

Generally non-ha"ardous

/n i:ac ;9that has beenrepurposedinto a lamp&photographed ne!t to a :ac Classic and a flipphone'.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryllium_oxidehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_greasehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_greasehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heatsinkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CPUhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_semiconductor_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_semiconduct

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