Environmental Impacts of E-Waste: Pollution and Resource Depletion

Abstract

Electronic materials/components that have reached the end of their functional life cycle are considered electronic waste (e-waste). Electronics contain potentially hazardous or toxic elements, which many people are unaware of; thus, they must be handled with care when not required anymore. Every product created leaves harmful effects on environment. Copper, gold, silver, platinum etc. are rich resources found in e-waste that can be recovered and utilized again. Loss of these resources, however, results from incorrect disposal, which accelerates the depletion of natural resources. Landfill and burning of e-waste are responsible for various types of pollution and a lot of impact on human health. New technologies have been applied to manage these wastes at low cost and sustainable ways. However, there are numerous difficulties and challenges in managing various types of waste. The aim of this chapter is to classify various types of waste and their impact on the environment. It also explores the management of waste by new technologies and challenges faced at the time of management of waste.