Dear Inspired Readers - Inspired to be Green

E- Waste & RecyclingAddressing an upcoming threatby Santhosh M, IGBC APe-mail: santhosharch@gmail.comDefining e -wasteE-Waste for short - or Waste Electrical and ElectronicEquipment (WEEE) - is the term used to describe old,end-of-life or discarded appliances using electricity. It includescomputers, consumer electronics, fridges etc which havebeen disposed of by their original users. E-Waste containsboth valuable materials as well as hazardous materials whichrequire special handling and recycling methods.Examples: Computers, LCD / CRT screens, cooling appliances,mobile phones, etc., contain precious metals, flame retardedplastics, CFC foams and many other substances.European Union (EU) Directive on WEEELarge Household AppliancesWashing machines, Dryers, Refrigerators, Air-conditioners, etc.Small Household AppliancesVacuum cleaners, Coffee Machines, Irons, Toasters, etcOffice, Information & Communication EquipmentPCs, Latops, Mobiles, Telephones, Fax Machines, Copiers, Printers etc.Entertainment & Consumer ElectronicsTelevisions, VCR/DVD/CD players, Hi-Fi sets, Radios, etcLighting EquipmentFluorescent tubes, sodium lamps etc. (Except: Bulbs, Halogen Bulbs)Electric and Electronic ToolsDrills, Electric saws, Sewing Machines, Lawn Mowers etc. (Except: largestationary tools/machines)Toys, Leisure, Sports and Recreational EquipmentElectric train sets, coin slot machines, treadmills etc.Medical Instruments and EquipmentSurveillance and Control EquipmentAutomatic Issuing MachinesImplications to EnvironmentE-waste poses many health and environment problemsif disposed improperly due to the hazardous materialsthat are contained in e-waste such as lead, mercuryand cadmium.Computer monitors, batteries, circuit boards and eventoner and ink products are common e-waste items thatrequire disposal. Computer monitors contain lead thatwhen land filled ends up in our water and our soil. Moste-waste contains significant amounts of mercury, andalmost all plastic found in electronics contain brominateflame retardants.Computers and display units contain significant amountsof material that are hazardous to human health if theyare not disposed of properly. Monitors and televisionsconstitute 40% of all lead and 70% of all heavy metalsfound in landfills. These heavy metals and other toxinsthat can leach into the soil from landfills, evaporate intothe air, and enter the air through incineration.E-waste constitutes only 5-8 percent of municipal solidwaste, yet it is accumulating at a rate three times that ofother solid waste.