ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS OF COMPUTING

E - WASTE

  Author: Chevano Baker
  Date Updated: Apr. 16, 2014
  Occupation: Student (University of the West Indies, Mona)

E - WASTE, a global crisis


GreenElectronic waste commonly known as e-waste is a growing concern for people all over the world. Today's society have revolutionized our lives. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that roughly 40 million metric tons of electronic waste (e-waste) are produced globally each year, and about 13 percent of that weight is recycled mostly in developing countries. About 9 million tons of this waste are produced by the European Union. It is clear to us that e-waste is a phenomenon that will impact our lives, whether we believe it or not.


What is E -WASTE?

GreenTelephones, TVs, computers, mobile phones, white goods (e.g. fridges, washing machines, dryers etc), home entertainment and stereo systems, toys, toasters, kettles - almost any household or business item with circuitry or electrical components with power or battery are just some of the ways in which technology has altered our life to be somewhat easier. Not only are these various products disposed of at the end of their useful life, but as technology changes and the production and consumption decisions of firms and individuals, we see a vast majority of these useful equipment ending up in the dumps. This is what we term as E - WASTE.

Categories of E - WASTE


Identification of E- waste categories
Large House hold Appliances: Washing machines, Dryers Refrigerators, Air conditioners, etc
Small House hold Appliances: Vacuum cleaners, Coffee Machines, Irons, Toasters, etc.
Office, Information & Communication Equipment: PC's, Laptops, Mobiles, Telephones, Fax Machines, Copiers, Printers etc.
Entertainment & Consumer, Electronics and Toys, Leisure, Sports and Recreational Equipment, and Automatic Issuing Machines: Televisions, VCR/DVD/DC players, Hi-Fi sets, Radios, etc, and Electric train sets, coin slot machines, treadmills etc and Vending machines, parking ticket equipment etc.
Lighting Equipment: Fluorescent tubes and lamps, sodium lamps etc (Except Incandescent Bulbs, Halogen Bulbs) etc.
Electric and Electronic Tools: Drills, electric saws, Sewing Machines, Lawn Mowers etc
Security & health care equipment: Surveillance and Control Equipment (e.g. CCTV cameras, scanning equipment), and Medical Instruments and Equipment (e.g. x-ray and heart lung machines) etc.
Mixed WEEE
(Source of table)

The above mentioned categories contain various types of chemicals that are dangerous. Lead, mercury cadmium and beryllium hazardous chemicals brominated flame retardants are hazardous materials that electronics contain. Polluting PVC plastic is also frequently used Green Peace International reports. They further noted that pollution and risks of exposure on the job, exposure of children to lead and mercury are some effects of these materials. Furthermore, toxic chemicals hidden in electronic products and when burnt presents harm to children and pregnant women even at low levels of exposure. Click here to see the impacts on health


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Chevano Baker is an Actuarial Science student at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.



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