What is E-waste?

Electronic equipments that are no longer usable or wanted are known as E-waste. Electronic waste is also known as brown goods (Iowa Department of Natural Resources). E-waste is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their “useful life. (California Integrated Waste Management Board) ” 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 (Iowa).

Effect in Landfills

Each year in the US approximately 60 million new PCs enter the market and 12 million are discarded, adding the unknown number of old computer products left in basements or in garages, results in a staggering mass of plastic, metal, chemical, and glass junk. 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 Only less than 10% of these outdated computer products are recycled (Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition).

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. A report released by Silicon Valley Toxic Coalition predicted that 500 million computers would become obsolete between 1997 and 2007. This would result in 6.32 billion pounds of plastic and 1.58 billion pounds of lead. The World watch Institute reported in its annual reports that more than 2.9 million tons of electronic waste was landfilled in 1997 (Environmental Media Services, EMS).

The National Safety Council also estimates that 500 million defunct computers and monitors will be discarded by 2007. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that e-waste accounts for 40 percent of lead found in landfills and 70 percent of heavy metals, like mercury and cadmium (Peterson K., 2003).

In the U.S. in 2000, it is estimated that 300,000 tons of E-waste went to landfills and it is expected to grow four times in the coming years. About 70 percent of the heavy metals found in landfills come from electronic equipment discards. These heavy metals and other hazardous substances found in electronics could contaminate groundwater and pose other environmental and public health risks (RMD technologies).

Hazardous Material containing E-waste

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 as the air enters through incinerator ash or water sources through landfill leachate.

Computer monitors and televisions contain huge amounts of lead and some PCBs; printed circuit boards contain chromium, cadmium, mercury and lead, amount varies depending upon the size and quality of a specific board. Batteries in electronic and electrical devices contain lead and cadmium (Minnesota office of environmental assistance).

Lead is the leading toxic material found in electronic equipment. Manufacturers combine lead with tin to form solder, which is used in the production of circuit boards found inside electronic product. Cathode ray tubes, the glass picture tubes found inside televisions that display images by exciting phosphor dots with a scanned electron beam, contains up to five pounds of lead on average. Even a very small amount of lead causes lead poisoning (EMS).

Materials used in a desktop computer and the efficiency of current recycling processes

Composition of a Desktop Personal Computer Based on a typical desktop computer, weighing ~60 lbs.
Table presented in: Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation (MCC). 1996. Electronics Industry Environmental Roadmap. Austin, TX: MCC.
Name	Content (% of total weight)	Weight of material in computer (lbs.)	Recycling Efficiency (current recyclability)	Use/Location
Plastics	22.9907	13.8	20%	includes organics, oxides other than silica
Lead	6.2988	3.8	5%	metal joining, radiation shield/CRT, PWB
Aluminum	14.1723	8.5	80%	structural, conductivity/housing, CRT, PWB, connectors
Germanium	0.0016	< 0.1	0%	Semiconductor/PWB
Gallium	0.0013	< 0.1	0%	Semiconductor/PWB
Iron	20.4712	12.3	80%	structural, magnetivity/(steel) housing, CRT, PWB
Tin	1.0078	0.6	70%	metal joining/PWB, CRT
Copper	6.9287	4.2	90%	Conductivity/CRT, PWB, connectors
Barium	0.0315	< 0.1	0%	in vacuum tube/CRT
Nickel	0.8503	0.51	80%	structural, magnetivity/(steel) housing, CRT, PWB
Zinc	2.2046	1.32	60%	battery, phosphor emitter/PWB, CRT
Tantalum	0.0157	< 0.1	0%	Capacitors/PWB, power supply
Indium	0.0016	< 0.1	60%	transistor, rectifiers/PWB
Vanadium	0.0002	< 0.1	0%	red phosphor emitter/CRT
Terbium	0	0	0%	green phosphor activator, dopant/CRT, PWB
Beryllium	0.0157	< 0.1	0%	thermal conductivity/PWB, connectors
Gold	0.0016	< 0.1	99%	Connectivity, conductivity/PWB, connectors
Europium	0.0002	< 0.1	0%	phosphor activator/PWB
Titanium	0.0157	< 0.1	0%	pigment, alloying agent/(aluminum) housing
Ruthenium	0.0016	< 0.1	80%	resistive circuit/PWB
Cobalt	0.0157	< 0.1	85%	structural, magnetivity/(steel) housing, CRT, PWB
Palladium	0.0003	< 0.1	95%	Connectivity, conductivity/PWB, connectors
Manganese	0.0315	< 0.1	0%	structural, magnetivity/(steel) housing, CRT, PWB
Silver	0.0189	< 0.1	98%	Conductivity/PWB, connectors
Antinomy	0.0094	< 0.1	0%	diodes/housing, PWB, CRT
Bismuth	0.0063	< 0.1	0%	wetting agent in thick film/PWB
Chromium	0.0063	< 0.1	0%	Decorative, hardener/(steel) housing
Cadmium	0.0094	< 0.1	0%	battery, glu-green phosphor emitter/housing, PWB, CRT
Selenium	0.0016	0.00096	70%	rectifiers/PWB
Niobium	0.0002	< 0.1	0%	welding allow/housing
Yttrium	0.0002	< 0.1	0%	red phosphor emitter/CRT
Rhodium	0		50%	thick film conductor/PWB
Platinum	0		95%	thick film conductor/PWB
Mercury	0.0022	< 0.1	0%	batteries, switches/housing, PWB
Arsenic	0.0013	< 0.1	0%	doping agents in transistors/PWB
Silica	24.8803	15	0%	glass, solid state devices/CRT,PWB

(Electronics Sustainability Commitment)

Compounds and risks related to some e-waste

Lead

Central and peripheral nervous system, circulation system and kidneys in human can be harmed by lead. It is being observed that the endocrine system is effected by lead and has negative effect on children’s brain development. Lead accumulated in an environment has high acute and chronic toxic effects on plants, animals and microorganisms. About 40% lead found in landfills is from consumer electronics. The potential risk of lead present in landfills is the leach and contamination of drinking water supplies.

Over 315 million computers will become obsolete in the USA between 1997 and 2004. This accounts for about 1.2 billion pounds of lead add up.

Cadmium

Cadmium is a metal. Cadmium compounds are classified as toxic. These can cause negative effects on human health. Cadmium and cadmium compounds accumulated especially in human kidney. Cadmium is absorbed through respiration and is also taken up with food. Because cadmium cannot be digested it can easily be accumulated and the significant amount causes symptoms of poisoning.

In electrical and electronic equipment, SMD chip resistors, infrared detectors and semiconductors contains cadmium. Older types of cathode ray tubes contain cadmium. Cadmium is used as a plastic stabilizer.

The obsolete 315 million computer between 1997 and 2004 accounts for almost 2 million pounds of cadmium content.

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.

Use of mercury in electrical and electronic equipment is estimated to be 22% of the yearly world consumption. Mercury is basically used in thermostats, sensors, relays and switches and discharge lamps. It is also used in medical equipment, data transmission, telecommunications, mobile phone, batteries, and printed wiring boards. Although a very small amount of mercury is used in a single item, 315 million obsolete computers by the year 2004 represent more than 400,000 pounds of mercury.

Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium VI)

This is used as corrosion protection of untreated and galvanized steel plates and as a decorative and hardener for steel housing. Chromium VI can easily absorbed through cell membranes and produce toxic effects in the cells. Even a very small concentration causes strong allergic reactions. An example of an allergic reaction caused by chromium VI is Asthmatic bronchitis. Chromium VI may also be the reason for DNA damage.

Hexavalent chromium compounds not only effect human but are also heavily toxic for the environment. Scientists agree that wastes containing chromium should not be incinerated because they generate fly ash from which chromium is leachable. Of the more than 315 million computers that are estimated of becoming obsolete by 2004 will accounts for about 2.1 million pounds of hexavalent chromium.

Plastics

Plastics have been major concern of environmentalists. It is estimated that 13.8 pounds per computer on average accounting 4 billion pounds of plastic will be present in more than 315 million computers that will become obsolete by 2004. The Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation estimated in an analysis that the total electronic plastic scrap amounted to more than 580,000 tons per year. The study also estimated that the largest volume of plastics used in electronic manufacturing was polyvinyl chloride at 26%, which creates more environmental and health hazards than other type of plastic.

PVC

Computer companies have reduced the use of PVC but there is still a huge volume of PVC contained in the computer scrap continues to grow i.e. up to 250 million pounds per year.

PVC is used mainly in cabling and computer housing. PVC cabling is used for its fire retardant properties, but once PVC caught into fire fumes from it can cause fatalities. Producing and burning PVC products generates dioxins and furans and cause fatal infections.

Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR)

Brominated flame-retardants are commonly used in electronic products for reducing flammability. They are a class of brominated chemicals. BFRs are used in computers

1) In printed circuit boards

2) In components such as connectors

3) In plastic covers

4) In cables.

They are also used as plastic covers of TV sets and in kitchen appliances.

Scientific research observed that Polybrominated diphenylethers cause endocrine disruption. Level of PBDEs in human brest milk are doubling every years and these chemicals effect young animals.

After study of PBDEs in newborn mice, researchers concluded that exposure to the chemicals in early life could induce neurotoxic effects similar to those caused by other toxic substances such as PCBs and some pesticides. Other studies have shown that PBDE reduces hormone thyroxin level in exposed animals and have been shown to cross the blood brain barrier in the developing fetus. Thyroid is a hormone that regulates the normal development of all animal species.

Researchers in the US found that exposure to Polybrominated Biphenyls may cause risk of cancer of the digestive and lymph systems. The study observed at cancer incidence in individuals exposed to PBBs after a 1973 food contamination incident in Michigan. In this incident about a ton of PBB fire retardant was added to cattle feed in error and contamination spread through the animal and human food chain. About nine million people were affected. A study published in 1998 found that the group with the highest exposure was 23 times more likely to develop digestive cancer, including stomach, pancreas and liver cancers. Preliminary results also found that 49-fold increase in lymph cancers.

PBBs are almost insoluble in water but it has been found that PBBs are 200 times soluble in a landfill leachate than in distilled water. Which would result in a wider distribution of PBBs in the environment. Once they are released into the environment there is a high possibility of them reaching the food chain. PBBs have been detected in fish from several regions and are transferred to mammals and birds. Animals easily absorb PBBs but plants don’t.

Chemical hazards to workers at recycling facilities

Recycling plastics are dangerous and difficult because of the presence of polybrominated flame-retardants. During recycling process of plastic Polybrominated dibenzo furans and ploybrominated dibenzo dioxins are produced which are toxic. High concentrations of PBDEs have been found in the blood of workers in recycling plant.

A study in Sweden found that dust containing toxic flame-retardant is produced while recycling computers, fax machines or other electronic equipments. Workers at recycling facilities the level of flame retardant in their blood was 70 times more than the level are found in hospital cleaners, because of their common presence in air. It is possible that humans may directly absorb PBDE when they are emitted from electronic circuit boards and plastic computer and TV cabinets.

In May, 1998 Sweden’s National Chemicals Inspectorate called for a ban on PBB and PBDE. They urged their government to work for a European wide ban and for controls on the international trade in these chemicals. As a consequence, PBBs should no longer be used commercially.

315 million computers will become obsolete between 1997 and 2004. Brominated flame-retardants amount for over 27% in monitors total over 350 million pounds. This does not take into account for the amount present in the computer tower or printed wiring boards (ESC)

What can a consumer do?

Several major computer manufacturers and nationwide retailers have initiated independent recycling programs.

IBM and Hewlett-Packard/Compaq have started nationwide mail-in programs in which a consumer pays a recycling fee, packages and ships equipment to a designated recycling firm. IBM was the first manufacturer to establish such a program. Gateway has two recycling programs: a trade-in program for newer models and a rebate program for older ones.

Dell provides corporate customers with a takeback/removal program, and the Dell Asset Recovery Service accepts all electronics, even if they are not Dell brand. Participants are offered a credit toward the future purchase of Dell electronics (Iowa).

When Buying New Electronic Products.

The most important part of "green purchasing" is taking steps to avoid pollution and waste.

Choose product with:	Because:
Products with reduced toxics content	Electronics made with reduced lead, mercury and other heavy metals are safer and easier on the environment.
Refurbished or remanufactured products, or those with recycled content or made from remanufactured materials	Buying remanufactured items, or those made with remanufactured parts and other recycled content uses less energy, conserves natural resources and closes the recycling loop.
Products that have long life expectancy and can be upgraded easily	Extend the life of your electronics by purchasing items that are easily upgradeable. Instead of buying new items once old ones seem out of date, Install new software, update programs and upgrade memory.
Electronics that can be leased	Leased items are returned to the vendor after a specified period of time. Consumers leasing electronics are able obtain the most up-to-date products, and at the same time have a built-in take-back program to ensure that products are responsibly disposed of at the end of the lease.
Products with less packaging	Excess packaging means added waste. Pick up your product instead of having it shipped, and ask for on-line manuals instead of heavy paper volumes.

What can be done with old electronics?

1) Donation & Reuse

There are many groups that can benefit from the donation of the used electronics, including charities, schools, inmate programs and non-profit organizations. Some companies can receive tax incentives for donating used computers and software to schools.

2) Repair, Refurbish Or Upgrade

If an old computer can be upgraded, upgrade the old one rather than buying the new one. If the equipment is not too old and is still in working condition, consider upgrading the software, add new memory, repair or replace certain parts that can be repaired or replaced. It will save both money and delay the electronic discard.

3) Sell or Trade

Sell the product to someone who would use the old product or find a manufacturer who will give credit toward a new purchase for turning in the old one rather than dumping the product.

4) Salvage & Recycle

Removing hazardous materials, separating and recycling the remaining electronic components lessens environmental and health threats, conserves natural resources, saves energy and reduces the burden on landfills. When cleaned and sorted, metals and other materials retain high value in the recycling market.

Conclusion

Today as computer is becoming a part of our everyday life, it has created problems related to health and environment. Millions of tons of electronic waste landfills every year only in the United States. However the e-waste accounts for only 1% of waste produced only in the United States, it can cause fatal effects if left unmanaged in open landfills. E-waste has become a growing concern of the society and people are encouraged to reuse or recycle old electronic products. As an well-educated citizen of the world it is our responsibility to think about the negative impact of the electronic waste and we should try to do something by helping to solve the problem from our part individually.

Given are various organizations that will accept recycled computer parts:

Spring 2004

Introduction