E-WASTE Why Recycle
About Toxics Link Toxics Link, an environmental NGO, is dedicated to bring toxics related information into the public domain. Key focus- Research and Policy advocacy Engages in areas of Municipal, Hazardous, Bio-medical waste management and Che mical and health issues Has been working on the issue of E-waste for more than a decade. Work at state and central level Able to create strong awareness among public and stakeholders on toxicity issues. International waste trade, emerging issues of pesticides and POPs
Volumes and Toxicity India fifth biggest producer in the world, discarding 1.7 million tonnes (Mt) in 2014, 1.3 kg per inhabitant
Why should we be worried? Electronics contain hazardous materi al like lead, mercury, cadmium and B FRs. When the gadgets are dismantled or recycled without precaution these toxic elements are released and pose a threat to health and Environment. 10 + 22 m 5 + 10 + 10 +
Current Practices E-waste processing in India is mostly managed by a very well networked informal sector Research has shown that some steps of the recycling chain, especially related to material recovery, are highly dangerous and risky. Some of the processes include open burning of Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) wires, acid bath, use of toxic chemicals such as Mercury, heating of lead solders, etc. These processes are highly toxic impacting both environme nt and human health.
Environmental Hazards Emissions of dioxins/ heavy metals lead, cadmium, mercury Other contaminants like BFRs Spent fluids/chemicals in soil Groundwater contamination Non-recyclables diverted to landfills hence risk of leachate Exposure to toxics due to release in air, water and soil Air pollution Water pollution Soil pollution
E-Waste : Resource Contains: Valuable materials: plastic, copper, iron Precious and Rare Metal: Gold, Platinum, Gallium, Indium Increased pressure on natural resources If recycling efficiency is not improved, we might lose out on this metals
Average Composition of E&E equipment Flame retarded plastics 5% Printed circuit boards 5% Iron and Steel 48% Copper 7% Aluminium 5% Other non-ferrous metals 1% Concrete and ceramics 2% Wood and plywood 3% Glass 5% Other 5% Rubber 1% Non flame retarded plastics 15% Equipment Category Large household Appliances Small household Ferrous m Non-ferrous Glass Plastics Other etals metals 61% 7% 3% 9% 21% 19% 1% 0% 48% 32% appliances IT equipment 43% 0% 4% 30% 20% Telecom 13% 7% 0% 74% 6% TV, Radio, etc. 11% 2% 35% 31% 22%
Tellur Indium Gallium Lithium Tantal Palladium Platin Ruthenium Germanium Cobalt Critical Metals
Challenges Collection network Appropriate technology Regulatory Drivers Mind set
E-Waste: Economic Opportunity The growing e-waste economic opportunity is driven by: Over 150 start ups exist in E waste Apple Collection, Refurbishment Market and Material recovery markets, Asset management Valuable components and materials contained in electronic waste Creates Jobs Regulatory approaches such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes that can ensure additional financing for collection and recycling activities
E-waste Rules Notified under the Environment (P) Act, 1986 Non-compliance punishable under E(P)Act, 1986 Bulk consumers E-waste generators (including all consumers and bulk consumers) must channeliz e their e-waste only to authorised units for collection, dismantling, and recycling or to take-back or pick up facilities of their producers All Bulk consumers have to submit the annual records of e-waste generated and disposed by them
Action Points Procurement and Disposal policy in the organisation Demand a take back: Consumers can play an important role in influencing and pressuring producers/brands to ta ke back their end-of-life products. Encourage 3R principle: Reduce e-waste generation by extending the life of gadgets, by going in for upgrades and repair. Reuse If possible, donate old and usable items Recycle Make recycling a habit. But recycle responsibly. Don t throw away e-waste items with other waste or hand them to an informal recycler Dispose your e-waste properly: Dispose or sell your e-waste to authorized agency.
Demand Scenario of scarce metals
Critical Metals