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LCC: T10.5-11.9

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E-CYLING E-WASTE: THE WAY FORWARD FOR NIGERIA IT AND ELECTRO-MECHANICAL INDUSTRY
Prof. Dr. Oliver E. Osuagwu *, Charles Ikerionwu a a b

b

Coordinator of PG Programs, IP Vice-President, CPN Department of Information Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (NIGERIA) * E-mail: drosuagwu@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT An average of 500,000 tons of obsolete Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipments (WEEE) are dumped into Nigeria monthly with its associated health and environmental hazards. E-waste includes computers, entertainment electronics, mobile phones and other items that have been discarded by their original users. While there is no generally accepted definition of e-waste, in most cases e-waste consists of expensive and more or less durable products used for data processing, telecommunications or entertainment in private households and businesses. Dumping of e-waste in Nigeria has negative health consequences such as leaching toxins into the soil, air and groundwater which later enter into crops, animals and human body systems causing contamination and pollution. Medical experts have warned that exposure to these substances can cause damage to blood and nervous systems, DNA, immune systems, kidneys and can lead o respiratory and skin disorders and lung cancer and can interfere with regulatory hormones and brain development. This is bad news for Nigeria and Africa who accept over-used PCs that have very short life as gifts which is a subtle way of dumping the unneeded WEEE by the advanced West. No serious awareness has been created by government or industry on the dangers WEEE pose for Nigeria nor has there been any documented regulatory policy on e-waste. This paper will examine the inherent dangers of WEEE dumping in Nigeria, discuss e-cyling as a means of curbing the menace and suggest strategic policy trust for Nigeria and Africa. Key words: e-cyling, e-waste, electro-mechanical industry, Nigeria

1. INTRODUCTION E-waste is both valuable as source for secondary raw material, and toxic if treated and discarded improperly. Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast growing problem around the globe. Technical solutions are available but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied. Due to lower environmental standards and working conditions in China, India, Nigeria, Ghana and the rest of West Africa, e-waste is being sent to these countries without a wink on the negative environmental impact and on the health of the citizens of these countries.

Fig. 1. Sample e-waste

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Uncontrolled burning, disassembly and disposal are causing environmental and health problems, including occupational safety and health effects amongst those involved directly due to the methods of processing the waste. However electronic waste processing systems have matured in recent years following increased regulatory, public and commercial scrutiny, and a commensurate increase in entrepreneurial interest. But one challenge is still staring at us: What happens when materials cannot or will not be reused, conventional recycling or disposal via landfill often follow. Standards for both approaches vary widely by jurisdiction, whether in developed or developing countries of the world. The complexity of the various items to be disposed of, cost of environmentally sound recycling systems, and the need for concerned and concerted action to collect and systematically process equipment are the resources most lacked especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Many of the plastics used in electronic equipment contain flame retardants. These are generally halogens added to the plastic resin, making the plastics difficult to recycle. Almost all electronics contain lead and tin (as solder) and copper (as wire and printed circuit board tracks. For instance: • Lead is used for old solder, CRT monitors (lead in glass), lead-acid batteries, some formulations of PVC. • Tin is used for solder, coatings on component leads Copper is used to make copper wire, printed circuit board tracks, and component ldeads. • • Cadmium is used for light-sensitive resistors, corrosion-resistant allows for marine and aviation environments, NiCd batteries Aluminium is contained by nearly all electronic goods using more than a few watts of power (heatsinks), • electrolytic capacitors. • Beryllium oxide is used in making filler in some thermal interface materials such as thermal grease used on heatsinks for CPUs and power transistors, magnetrons, X-ray-transparent ceramic windows, heat transfer fins in vacuum tubes, and gas lasers. • Iron is used in the making of steel chassis, cases and fixings • Silicon is used in the manufacture of glass, transistors, ICs, printed circuit boards • Nickel and cadmium is applied in the manufacture of nicket-cadmium batteries • Lithium is used in lithium-iron battery • Zinc is used for plating steel parts • Gold is used for making connector plating, primarily in computer equipment • Americium is used in making smoke alarms (radioactive source) • Germanium was used in 1950-1960s for making transistorized electronics (bipolar junction transistors) • Mercury is used in the production of fluorescent tubes (numerous applications), tilt switches (Pinball games, mechanical doorbells, thermostats. • Sulphur is used in making lead-acid batteries • Carbon is applied to asteel, plastics, resistors in virtually all electronic equipments • Polychlorinated biphenyis (PCBs) was used in the manufacture of electronic equipments such as insulators, paints, inks, and flexible sealants.[2] 2. DANGERS OF E-WASTE Dumping of e-waste in any environment including Nigeria has negative health consequences such as leaching toxins into the soil, air and groundwater which later enter into crops, animals and human body systems causing contamination and pollution. Medical experts have warned that exposure to these substances can cause damage to blood and nervous systems, DNA, immune systems, kidneys and can lead to respiratory and skin disorders and lung cancer and can interfere with regulatory hormones and brain development. E-waste contains heavy metals such as lead, zinc, chromium, cadmium, mercury and with Elements in trace amounts, germanium, gallium, barium, nickel, tantalum, indium, vanadium, terbium, beryllium, gold, europium, titanium, ruthenium, cobalt, palladium, manganese, silver, antinomy, bismuth, selenium, niobium, yttrium, rhodium, platinum, arsenic, silicon, carbon, iron, aluminum, tin, copper. In the 1990s some European countries banned the disposal of e-waste in landfills. This created an e-waste processing industry in Europe. Early in 2003 the EU presented the WEEE and RoHS directives for implementation in 2005 and 2006. Some states in the US developed policies banning CRTs from landfills. Some e-waste processing is carried out within the US. The processing may be dismantling into metals, plastics and circuit boards or shredding of whole appliances. From 2004 the state of California introduced a fee on all new monitors.[1] Some states in the US developed policies banning CRTs from landfills. Some e-waste processing is carried out within the US. The processing may be dismantling into metals, plastics and circuit boards or shredding of whole appliances. From 2004 the state of California introduced a fee on all new monitors and televisions sold to cover the cost of recycling. The amount of the fee depends on the size of the monitor. That amount was adjusted on July 1, 2005 in order to match the real cost of recycling. A typical e-waste recycling plant as found in some industrialized countries combines the best of dismantling for component recovery with increased capacity to process large amounts of e-waste in a cost effective-manner. Material is fed into a hopper, which travels up a conveyor and is dropped into the mechanical separator, which is followed by a number of screening and granulating machines. The entire recycling machinery is enclosed and employs a dust collection system. The European Union, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan have already demanded that sellers and manufacturers of electronics be responsible for recycling 75% of them. Many Asian countries have legislated, or will do so, for e-waste recycling. The United States Congress is considering a number of e-waste bills including the National Computer Recycling Act introduced by Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA)

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Table 1. Effects of E-Waste constituent on health Source of ewastes Solder in printed circuit boards, glass panels and gaskets in computer monitors Chip resistors and semiconductors Relays and switches, printed circuit boards Corrosion protection of untreated and galvanized steel plates, decorator or hardner for steel housings Cabling and computer housing Plastic housing of electronic equipments and circuit boards. Front panel of CRTs Constituent Health effects

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Lead (PB)

Damage to central and peripheral nervous systems, blood systems and kidney damage. Affects brain development of children. Toxic irreversible effects on human health. Accumulates in kidney and liver. Causes neural damage. Teratogenic. Chronic damage to the brain. Respiratory and skin disorders due to bioaccumulation in fishes. Asthmatic bronchitis. \DNA damage. Burning produces dioxin. It causes Reproductive and developmental problems; Immune system damage; Interfere with regulatory hormones

Cadmium (CD)

Mercury (Hg) Hexavalent chromium (Cr) VI Plastics including PVC

Motherboard Source: [6]

Brominated flame retardants Disrupts endocrine system functions (BFR) Short term exposure causes: Barium (Ba) Muscle weakness; Damage to heart, liver and spleen. Carcinogenic (lung cancer) Inhalation of fumes and dust. Causes chronic beryllium disease or Beryllium (Be) beryllicosis. Skin diseases such as warts.

3. INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO AVERT THE DANGERS OF WEEE DUMPING One of the known international understandings on e-waste is the Basel Convention which prohibits international waste transfer. The Basel Convention (alias Basel Convention on the Control of Tran boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal) is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the movements of hazardous waste between nations, and specifically to prevent transfer of hazardous waste from developed to less developed countries (LDCs). It does not, however, address the movement of radioactive waste. The Convention is also intended to minimize the amount and toxicity of wastes generated, to ensure their environmentally sound management as closely as possible to the source of generation, and to assist LDCs in environmentally sound management of the hazardous and other wastes they generate.[3]. It is aimed at Promoting Ratification of the Basel Protocol on Liability and Compensation for Damage resulting from Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. It was adopted in 1989, entered into force on 5 May 1992 with 162 Parties to the Convention (as at 20 August 2004), 53 Parties are Members States of the African Union. It evolved from the March 1989 Conference of Plenipotentiaries (which adopted the Convention) adopted Resolution 3 which established a working group to develop elements which might be included in a Protocol on Liability and Compensation. December 1992 COP 1 (Decision I/5): The elements developed by the Working Group established pursuant to Resolution 3 were presented to COP 1. COP 1 decided to establish an ad hoc working group to consider and develop a draft Protocol on Liability. September 1993 – The Ad-hoc Working Group of Legal and Technical Experts to Consider and Develop a Draft • Protocol on Liability and Compensation began meeting, pursuant to Decision I/5. The Ad hoc Working Group held 10 meetings. • March 1994 COP 2 (Decision II/1), September 1995 COP 3 (Decision III/2), February 1998 COP 4 (Decision IV/19) – Extended the mandate of the working group • 10 December 1999 COP 5 – Adopted the Protocol on Liability and Compensation • As at 25 August 2004, 13 signatories and 3 ratifications (Ethiopia, Botswana and Togo) • 20 ratifications required for entry into force • Decision VI/15 adopted by COP 6, called on Parties to expedite the process of ratification, acceptance or approval of or accession to the Basel Protocol, to enable the Protocol to enter into force with a view to allowing the first meeting of the Parties to the Basel Protocol to be convened in conjunction with COP 7 • COP 7 will be held in Geneva from 25-29 October 2004

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The main goal of the convention is to protect, by strict control, human health and the environment against the adverse effects which may result from the generation and management of hazardous wastes and other wastes. The mechanisms adopted for the attainment of the above goal include: • • • • • The control of the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and other wastes Environmentally sound management (ESM) of hazardous wastes and other wastes. The State of Export must notify the State of intended disposal (“State of Import”) and any States through which the shipment is intended to pass (“State of Transit”) (Art. 6 (1)). The notification must contain detailed information regarding the proposed shipment The shipment can only commence: • upon receipt of the written consent of the State of Import and upon confirmation of the existence of a contract with a disposer specifying ESM of the wastes (Arts. 4(1)(c), 6(3)). • States of Transit also must have consented (Art. 6(4)). The shipment must at all times be accompanied by a Movement Document, giving detailed information on the shipment (Arts 4(7)(c), Annex V B). This document must be signed by each person who takes charge of the wastes (Art. 6(9)). The disposer must confirm receipt of the wastes, and the completion of disposal in accordance with the information contained in the notification (Art. 6(9)) Shipments made without following the procedures (e.g. without consent) are illegal (Art. 9) Illegal traffic is criminal (Art. 4(3)) To involve experts in designing communication tools for creating awareness at the highest level to promote the aims of the Basel Declaration on environmentally sound management and the ratification and implementation of the Basel Convention, its amendments and protocol with the emphasis on the short-term activities. To engage and stimulate a group of interested parties to assist the secretariat in exploring fund raising strategies including the preparation of projects and in making full use of expertise in non-governmental organizations and other institutions in joint projects. To motivate selective partners among various stakeholders to bring added value to making progress in the short-term. To disseminate and make information easily accessible through the internet and other electronic and printed materials on the transfer of know-how, in particular through Basel Convention Regional Centers (BCRCs). To undertake periodic review of activities in relation to the agreed indicators; To collaborate with existing institutions and programmes to promote better use of cleaner technology and its transfer, methodology, economic instruments or policy to facilitate or support capacity-building for the environmentally sound management of hazardous and other wastes.

• • • • • •

• • • • •

After the initial adoption of the Convention, some nations and environmental organizations argued that it did not go far enough. Many nations and NGOs argued for a total ban on shipment of all hazardous waste to LDCs. In particular, the original Convention did not regulate wastes destined for recycling or recovery operations in the import country, and this loophole began to be exploited by many exporters who relabeled waste as recyclable WEEE. Lobbying at the 1994 Basel conference by LDCs, as well as Greenpeace and the Basel Action Network (BAN), lead to proposal of the Basel Ban Amendment to the Basel Convention. Not yet ratified, but considered morally binding by signatories, the Amendment prohibits the export of hazardous waste from a list of developed (mostly OECD) countries to developing countries. The Basel Ban applies to export for any reason, including recycling. An area of special concern for advocates of the Amendment was the sale of ships for salvage, ship-breaking. The Ban Amendment was strenuously opposed by a number of industry groups as well as nations including the United States and Canada. As of late-2005, 61 nations have ratified the Basel Ban Amendment; 62 are required for it to enter into force. The status of the amendment ratifications can be found on the Basel Secretariat's web page. The European Union fully implemented the Basel Ban in its Waste Shipment Regulation (EWSR), making it legally binding in all EU member states. With the tightening of environmental laws (e.g., RCRA) in developed nations in the 1970s, disposal costs for hazardous waste rose dramatically. At the same time, globalization of shipping made transboundary movement of waste more accessible, and many LDCs were desperate for foreign currency. Consequently, the trade of hazardous waste, particularly to LDCs, grew rapidly. One of the incidents which led to the creation of the Basel Convention was the Khian Sea waste disposal incident, in which a ship carrying the remains of incinerated toxic waste, originating in America was unable to unload its cargo in any port. The United States is yet to ratify the Basel Convention or the Basel Ban Amendment and is yet to develop any domestic laws forbidding the export of toxic waste. In the United States of America, therefore, pieces of government legislation and a number of grassroots efforts have contributed to the growth of e-cyling. The electronic Waste Recycling Act was passed in California in 2003. This Act requires that consumers pay an extra fee for certain types of electronics, and the collected money is then redistributed to recycling companies that are qualified to properly recycler these products. As of September, 2006, Dell developed the nation’s first completely-free recycling program, furthering the

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responsibilities that manufacturers are taking for e-cyling. Grassroot efforts have played a big part in this issue, as they and other community organizations are being formed to help Computer TakeBack Campaign coordinated by the Grassroots Recycling Network and the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. In Europe a directive forces manufacturers to take responsibility for e-cycling and demands manufacturers” mandatory take-back and places bans on exporting e-waste to developing countries. This directive is derived from The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive which came into force in the UK in January 2007. The key objective of this initiative is to minimize the impact of electrical and electronic goods on the environment, by increasing reuse and recycling and reducing the amount of WEEE going to landfill. The WEEE Directive also aims to improve the environmental performance of businesses that manufacture, supply, use recycle and recover electrical and electronic equipment. The WEEE directive affects producers, distributors and recyclers of electrical and electronic equipment, including household appliances, IT and telecoms equipment, audiovisual equipment, such as TV, video, hi-fi, lighting, electrical and electronic tools, toys, leisure and sports equipment. IEEE STD. 1680 This standard on e-waste was announced in May at the IEEE’S International symposium on electronics and the environment, an event attended by recyclers and computer manufacturers as well as engineers. The standard for environmental assessment of Personal Computer Products” is the IEEE’S first environmental standard and the first U.S. national standard on computer recycling. The Green Electronics Council (GeC) is listing products that comply with the standard at http://www.epeat.net. Compliance is voluntary. Most provisions of the standard, and the approach of listing environmentally compliant products, are potentially applicable to all areas of electronics. But for now, the standard covers only computers and monitors, which accounted for about 2.79 million tons—out of a total of 236.1 million tons of electronic waste—in the United states alone in 2003, the last year for which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (ePa) has complete figures. As advancing computer designs render fairly young machines obsolete, and multiplecomputer households become more common, a greater number of computers—many still functional but obsolescent— will be disposed of. Today, a little more than 10 percent of such discarded hardware is recycled; the rest gets buried in landfills, exported, incinerated, or just left to clutter users’ storage space. The new standard aims to extend computers’ useful life, and make them easier to recycle, in ways every stakeholder should be able to accept. [5] 4. PANACEA TO E-WASTE – E-CYLING What is e-cycling? E-cycling is the practice of reusing, or distributing for reuse, electronic equipment and components rather than discarding them at the end of their life cycle. According to Gartner Group research, over four million computers will be replaced, worldwide, between 2004 and 2009. Discarded electronics and electronic components (e-waste) are creating a serious problem because of toxic elements involved in their manufacture. In the vast majority of cases, discarded computers and other electronic devices, such as cell phones, are functional and could be passed on to another individual or organization. Often, even non-functioning devices can be refurbished and resold or donated. Organizations such as StRUT (Students Recycling Used Technology), the National Cristina Foundation, and the Resource Area for Teachers (RAFT) collect and refurbish donated computer equipment for redistribution to schools and charities around the world. e-cycling has been harped as the panacea to the dangers of e-waste. E-cyling which is the process of recycling the components of metals contained in used or discarded electronic equipment. E-cyclable items include, but not limited to: televisions, computers, microwave ovens, cacuum cleaners, telephones and cellur phones, streos, and VCRs and DVDs. The need for e-cycling facilities has been increasing recently due to technology’s rapid rate of obsolescence. The groose against e-cyling include that fact that only 4% of waste is electronic. Disassembly process for WEEE is dangerous because of the heavy metals of which the electronic products are composed. Only between 1-5% of the original cost of materials can be retrieved. The other arguments against e-cyling are that 90% of e-waste is not being recycled as promised but sold overseas or to parts brokers. For the United States between 50-80% of the 300,000-400,000 tons of ewaste is being sent overseas and about 2 million tons per year go to US landfills.[4] 5. E-CYLING TECHNOLOGY

In the developed countries of the West, e-waste processing involves dismantling the equipment into various parts – metal frames, power supplies, circuit boards, and plastics, which are separated, often by hand. Alternatively, material is shredded, and sophisticated expensive equipment separates the various metal and plastic fractions, which then are sold to various smelters and or plastics recyclers. However a typical electronic waste recycling plant combines the best of dismantling for component recovery with increased capacity to process large amount of electronic waste in a cost effective manner. For this level of Automation, material is fed into a hopper, which travels up a conveyor and is dropped into the mechanical separator, which is followed by a number of screening and granulating machines. The entire recycling machinery is enclosed and employs a dust collection system. Leaded glass from cathode ray tubes is sold to foundries for use in fluxing agent in the processing of raw lead ore. Other valuable metals, such as copper, gold, palladium, silver and tin are sold to smelters for metal recycling. The hazardous smoke and gases generated by these processes are captured, contained, and treated to ensure that they do not become a threat to the environment.

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In Nigeria and most developing countries of the world disposal of e-waste is crude. Most of what happens is that individual traders buy these wastes, collect components for reuse and burn the remains which pollute the environment. Recycling as is done in the developed west is yet to take root in most developing countries of the world. 6. E-WASTE PUBLIC POLICY TRUST

The key challenges of managing e-waste globally today include: [7,8] • Rapidly increasing e-waste volumes, both domestically generated as well as through imports. Imports are often disguised as second-hand comptuer donations towards bridging the digital divide or simply as metal scrap. • Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast growing problem around the globe. Technical solutions are available but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied. • Uncontrolled burning, disassembly, and disposal are causing environmental and health problems, including occupational safety and health effects among those directly involved, due to the methods of processing the waste. Trade in electronic waste is controlled b the Basel Convention. However, the Basel Convention specifically exempts repair and refurbishment of used electronics which leaves a control gap. • A major challenge remains when materials cannot or will not be reused, conventional recycling or disposal via landfill often follow. Standards for both approaches vary widely by jurisdiction. The complexity of the various items to be disposed of, cost of environmentally sound recycling systems, and the need for concerned and concerted action to collect and systematically process equipment are the resources most lacked. Many of the plastics used in electronic equipment contain flame, retardants and contain halogens added to the plastic resin which may prove difficult to recycle. • No accurate estimates of the quantity of e-waste generated and recycled. • Low level of awareness amongst manufacturers and consumers of the hazards of incorrect e-waste disposal. • Widespread e-waste recycling in the informal sector using rudimentary techniques such as acid leaching and open air burning resulting in severe environmental damage • E-waste workers have little or no knowledge of toxins in e-waste and are exposed to serious health hazards. • Inefficient recycling processes result in substantial losses of material value • ‘Cherry-picking’ by recyclers who recover precious metals and improperly There is therefore urgent need for public policy in Nigeria on e-waste management: Policy-makers & Legislators Policy makers, legislators and government authorities drafting and implementing environmental legislation are important stakeholders at both the national and state levels. The Federal ministry also has the task of liaising with other ministries, such as the Ministry of Communications, NITDA and the Ministry of Finance to ensure harmonized laws. 7. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

We have established the dangers associated with the dumping of WEEE in Nigeria on the health of Nigerians and the environment. Lack of political determination to deal with this menace can be catastrophic. A public policy need be made now in order to save Nigerians and the environment from eventual destruction. Part of the projected policy trust can include some or all of the following recommendations: • Production-process modification Manufacturers can be requested to make changes in their production processes to reduce waste generation. This reduction can be accomplished by changing the materials used to make the product or by the more efficient use of input materials in production process or both. Potential waste minimization techniques can be broken down into three categories, thus: i) ii) iii) • Improved operating and maintenance procedures, Material change and Process-equipment modification.

Sustainable product design Minimization of hazardous wastes should be at product design stage itself keeping in mind the following factors: Rethink the product design: Efforts should be made to design a product with fewer amounts of hazardous materials. For example, the efforts to reduce material use are reflected in some new computer designs that are flatter, lighter and more integrated. Other companies propose centralized networks similar to the telephone system. Use of renewable materials and energy: Bio-based plastics are plastics made with plant-based chemicals or plant-produced polymers rather than from petrochemicals. Bio-based toners, glues and inks are used more frequently. Solar computers also exist but they are currently very expensive. Use of non-renewable materials that are safer: Because many of the materials used are nonrenewable, designers could ensure the product is built for re-use, repair and/or upgradeability

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Responsibilities of the Government (i) Governments should set up regulatory agencies in each state and LGAs vested with the responsibility of co-coordinating and consolidating the regulatory functions of the various government authorities regarding hazardous substances. (ii) Governments should be responsible for providing an adequate system of laws, controls and administrative procedures for hazardous waste management (Third World Network. 1991). Existing laws concerning e-waste disposal be reviewed and revamped. A comprehensive law that provides ewaste regulation and management and proper disposal of hazardous wastes is required. Such a law should empower the agency to control, supervise and regulate the relevant activities of government departments. Under this law, the agency concerned should: • Collect basic information on the materials from manufacturers, processors and importers and to maintain an inventory of these materials. The information should include toxicity and potential harmful effects. • Identify potentially harmful substances and require the industry to test them for adverse health and environmental effects. • Control risks from manufacture, processing, distribution, use and disposal of electronic wastes. • Encourage beneficial reuse of "e-waste" and encouraging business activities that use waste". Set up programs so as to promote recycling among citizens and businesses. • Educate e-waste generators on reuse/recycling options (iii) (iv) Governments must encourage research into the development and standard of hazardous waste management, environmental monitoring and the regulation of hazardous waste-disposal. Governments should enforce strict regulations against dumping e-waste in the country by outsiders. Where the laws are flouted, stringent penalties must be imposed. In particular, custodial sentences should be preferred to paltry fines, which these outsiders / foreign nationals can pay. Governments should enforce strict regulations and heavy fines levied on industries, which do not practice waste prevention and recovery in the production facilities. Polluter pays principle and extended producer responsibility should be adopted. Governments should encourage and support NGOs and other organizations to involve actively in solving the nation's e-waste problems. Uncontrolled dumping is an unsatisfactory method for disposal of hazardous waste and should be phased out. Governments should explore opportunities to partner with manufacturers and retailers to provide recycling services.

(v) (vi) (vii) (viii) (viii)

•

Responsibility and Role of industries 1. Generators of wastes should take responsibility to determine the output characteristics of wastes and if hazardous, should provide management options. 2. All personnel involved in handling e-waste in industries including those at the policy, management, control and operational levels, should be properly qualified and trained. Companies can adopt their own policies while handling-wastes. Some are given below: Use label materials to assist in recycling (particularly plastics). Standardize components for easy disassembly. Re-evaluate 'cheap products' use, make product cycle 'cheap' and so that it has no inherent value that would encourage a recycling infrastructure. • Create computer components and peripherals of biodegradable materials. • Utilize technology sharing particularly for manufacturing and de manufacturing. • Encourage / promote / require green procurement for corporate buyers. • Look at green packaging options. Companies can and should adopt waste minimization techniques, which will make a significant reduction in the quantity of e-waste generated and thereby lessening the impact on the environment. It is a "reverse production" system that designs infrastructure to recover and reuse every material contained within e-wastes metals such as lead, copper, aluminum and gold, and various plastics, glass and wire. Such a "closed loop" manufacturing and recovery system offers a win-win situation for everyone, less of the Earth will be mined for raw materials, and groundwater will be protected, researchers explain. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers should undertake the responsibility of recycling/disposal of their own products. Manufacturers of computer monitors, television sets and other electronic devices containing hazardous materials must be responsible for educating consumers and the general public regarding the potential threat to public health and the environment posed by their products. At minimum, all computer monitors, television sets and other electronic devices containing hazardous materials must be clearly labeled to identify environmental hazards and proper materials management. • • •

3.

4. 5.

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Responsibilities of the Citizen Waste prevention is perhaps more preferred to any other waste management option including recycling. Donating electronics for reuse extends the lives of valuable products and keeps them out of the waste management system for a longer time. But care should be taken while donating such items i.e. the items should be in working condition. Reuse, in addition to being an environmentally preferable alternative, also benefits society. By donating used electronics, schools, non-profit organizations, and lower-income families can afford to use equipment that they otherwise could not afford. E-wastes should never be disposed with garbage and other household wastes. This should be segregated at the site and sold or donated to various organizations. While buying electronic products opt for those that: are made with fewer toxic constituents use recycled content are energy efficient are designed for easy upgrading or disassembly utilize minimal packaging offer leasing or take back options have been certified by regulatory authorities. Customers should opt for upgrading their computers or other electronic items to the latest versions rather than buying new equipments REFERENCES

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/E-waste_-_Trends_in_e-waste_recycling/id/1344880 http://en.wikipedia.or/wiki/electronic waste http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_Convention http://searchdatacenter.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid80_gci1060213,00.html IEEE: The Institute, Sept 2006, vol.30 www.basel.int/DraftstrateKJcpian4Seot.pdf Freeman M. H. 1989. Standard Handbook of Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal, McGraw-Hill Company, USA. Third World Network. 1991. Toxic Terror: Dumping of Hazardous Wastes in the Third World, Third World Network, Malaysia

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