Electronic equipments that are no longer usable or wanted are known as E-waste. Electronic waste is also known as brown goods. E-waste is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their “useful life.” A wide range of electronic devices, such as computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, fax machines and cellular phones are included as E-waste. Many of these products can be reused or recycled. Electronic wastes are one of the fastest growing segments of the world’s waste stream. E-waste doesn’t cover large consumer appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers, and microwaves. These appliances are known as white goods.

The National Safety Council had predicted that between 315 million to 680 million computers would become obsolete within the next few years only in the US. These wastes will account for 4 billion pounds of plastics, 1 billion pounds of lead, 1.9 million pounds of cadmium, 1.2 million pounds of chromium, and nearly 400,000 pounds of mercury. Only less than 10% of these outdated computer products are recycled.

It is estimated that 130 million cellular phones will be discarded annually by the year 2005. Together with batteries and chargers the phones are expected to amount for 65,000 tons a year. In 1998 more than 20 million personal computers became obsolete, but only 13 percent were reused or recycled.

Hazardous Material in Electronics

Particles in electronic products contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. They become an environmental health threat when discarded with other household garbage. The toxic they contain becomes health threat.

Lead

Central and peripheral nervous system, circulation system and kidneys in human can be harmed by lead. About 40% lead found in landfills is from consumer electronics.

Cadmium

Cadmium is a metal. Cadmium compounds are classified as toxic. The significant amount causes symptoms of poisoning.

Mercury

Mercury is not dangerous if put separate from organic materials but when mercury spreads out in the water, it is transformed to methylated mercury, which easily accumulates in living organisms and concentrates through the food chain especially through fish. Methylated mercury causes brain damage.

Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium VI)

Chromium VI can easily absorbed through cell membranes and produce toxic effects in the cells. Even a very small concentration causes strong allergic reactions. Chromium VI may also be the reason for DNA damage.

PVC (Plastic)

Producing and burning PVC products generates dioxins and furans and cause fatal infections.

Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR)(Plastic)

Polybrominated diphenylethers cause endocrine disruption. Polybrominated Biphenyls may cause risk of cancer of the digestive and lymph systems.

Over 315 million computers will become obsolete in the USA between 1997 and 2004. This account for about 1.2 billion pounds of lead adds up, almost 2 million pounds of cadmium, more than 400,000 pounds of mercury, about 2.1 million pounds of hexavalent chromium, and 4 billion pounds of plastic.

What can a consumer do?

Several major computer manufacturers and nationwide retailers have initiated independent recycling programs. Participants are offered a credit toward the future purchase. Make purchases from manufacturers having recycling programs like IBM, HP/Compaq, Gateway, and Dell.

When Buying New Electronic Products?

Choose Products with reduced toxic content, products that can be refurbished or remanufactured, products that have long life and can be upgraded, electronics that can be leased, and products with less packaging.

What to do to Old electronics?

Donate or reuse, Repair or upgrade, Sell or Trade, Salvage or recycle.