A Review of the Treatment of E-Waste in India

By : Arif Khan , Meena Murmu

Page No: 271-280

Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest growing waste sources in the country. The use of electronic equipment has risen exponentially as a result of the growth of the communications and information technology sector. Since e-waste contains hazardous materials, the huge deposition of electronic waste and its recycling for the extraction of valuable metals using primitive methods is a major concern in developing countries. Consumers are being forced to replace outdated gadgets due to their rapid obsolescence and subsequent upgrades, which generates massive amounts of e-waste into the solid waste stream. When toxic metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, and other electronic products are dumped, it contaminates the environment. Typically, non-biodegradable, toxic metals found in e-waste will have long-lasting harmful effects on the environment in general and our health in particular. Because of the toxic and other hazardous materials it contains, e-waste has grown to be both an immediate and long-term problem. Its uncontrolled and improper collection, recycling, and disposal can cause serious environmental issues that endanger not only the health of people and animals but also the environment. This paper attempts to analyse the situation of e-waste in India and mentions some innovative recycling methodologies and technologies that can be useful for the proper management of e-waste to ensure that it is either eliminated or minimally disposed of into the environment. The paper also focuses on the various management techniques for managing this toxic substance, as well as the health risks associated with e[1]waste.

Authors :
Arif Khan
Registrar, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.

Meena Murmu
Assistant Professor, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/PROD.2022.63.03.3