Have you ever wondered what happens to discarded personal computers, cell phones or other electronic and electrical gadgets?
Electronic gadgets pose a serious health hazard if not disposed of properly
Have you ever wondered what happens to discarded personal computers, cell phones or other electronic and electrical gadgets? More often than not, they are disposed of illegally. The raw material used in these gadgets turns into the biggest environmental hazard for the society.
“Mumbai generates 1,000 tonnes of e-waste every month, which poses serious threat to soil, trees and the environment,” said Rajkumar Sharma, convener of Clean Sweep Forum, a city based NGO.
“We must find solutions to the problem before it becomes unmanageable. People must come to terms with so-called ‘donations’ from developed countries,” Sharma said. Many developed countries are dumping e-waste in third world countries in the name of donations, he added.
“E-waste or waste electrical and electronic equipment consists of broken, unwanted electrical or electronic device. Some include all secondary computers, entertainment devices, electronics, mobile phones and other items, whether they have been sold, donated, or discarded by their original owner, into e-waste,” said Abhishek Pratap, toxins campaigner of Greenpeace.
Pratap felt that if treated properly, electronic waste could be a valuable source for secondary raw material. “Otherwise, it is a major source of toxins and carcinogens. Toxic substances in e-waste may include lead, mercury, and cadmium. The non-sustainability of discarding electronics and computer technology is another reason to reuse electronic waste,” Pratap said. “Uncontrolled burning, disassembly, and disposal are causing environmental and health problems, including occupational health hazards to those directly involved in processing the waste material.”
E-waste now makes up 5% of all municipal solid waste worldwide, nearly the same amount as all plastic packaging, but it is more hazardous. “Mobile phones and computers are causing the biggest problem because they are replaced most often,” Pratap said.
“Co-ordination among the stake holders like the MPCB, BMC and the forest department is needed to come up with the best possible solution,” Sharma said. “We feel that scientific disposal of electronic and electrical gadgets is the manufacturers’ responsibility. They must take back discarded products for proper disposal or recycling,” Sharma said.
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