E-waste: hazards and management

E-waste is electric or electronic devices that are no longer in use: computers, phones, TVs, printers. It is one of the fastest-growing environmental hazards, making up more than 5 per cent of municipal solid waste.

When e-waste is dumped, harmful chemicals leach into the soil and ground water; when it is broken or burnt, dust loaded with heavy metals pollutes the air.

Its effects on health:

• Lead (in monitors and batteries): harms the kidneys, brain and nervous system; children are most at risk.
• Beryllium (released when circuit boards are burnt): causes skin disease and a risk of lung cancer.
• Mercury: harms the lungs and brain.
• Cadmium: damages the kidneys, liver and bones.

Managing e-waste, in order:

• Reduce: buy only what you need, and maintain devices so they last longer.
• Reuse: donate or sell working devices; refurbish old ones.
• Recycle: only what cannot be repaired or reused.

In India, the Environmental Protection Act, 1986 follows the 'polluter pays' principle, and CPCB guidelines make manufacturers responsible for safe disposal of their products. Reduce first, recycle last.