E Waste Recycling, E Waste Recyclers - Professional E-Waste Management Company New Delhi, India

What is E-Waste and Why Recycling Electronics Matters?

E-waste, short for electronic waste, refers to electronic products that have become unwanted, non-functional, or obsolete, reaching the end of their useful lifespan. Due to the rapid pace of technological advancements, many electronic devices are discarded as “waste” after just a few years of use.

Electronics contain valuable metals and components that can be repurposed in manufacturing processes. However, if not disposed of or recycled properly, components like cadmium, hexavalent chromium, mercury, chromium, barium, beryllium, and brominated flame-retardant materials can contaminate water and air resources.

In simpler terms, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) or e-waste encompasses end-of-life electronic and electrical devices, which essentially means broken, surplus, or outdated gadgets powered by electricity.

Shockingly, up to 80% of electronic waste ends up in landfills, as estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while only approximately 20% undergoes proper recycling. The global production of 300 million computers and 1 billion cell phones annually contributes to a steadily increasing mountain of e-waste, projected to grow by 8% each year indefinitely, according to BCC Research.

The e-waste issue extends beyond mere quantity; it involves the presence of toxic materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and various chemicals. In developing countries like India, much e-waste ends up in informal sectors where recycling takes place without consideration for health and the environment. This informal recycling involves hazardous practices like open burning, acid baths, poorly ventilated workspaces, and improper chemical handling, often involving vulnerable groups like children and women. Lacking safety equipment, workers in these recycling hubs across the country are exposed to toxic substances daily, with unregulated practices releasing harmful materials into the air, water, and soil, posing a grave threat to the environment.

Similar challenges are seen in many developing nations, as highlighted by a recent United Nations Environment Programme report. China, for instance, grapples with substantial e-waste volumes, including 500,000 tons of refrigerators, 1.3 million tons of TVs, and 300,000 tons of personal computers annually. While some of this is processed in advanced facilities, not all of it enjoys the same level of sophistication.

In the United States, an estimated 4 million tons of e-waste are dumped in landfills every year, according to the EPA. While U.S. dismantlers are subject to stricter regulations, American companies and cities have faced allegations of shipping materials, along with their toxic components, overseas.