Define e-waste. What are the various methods for effective e-waste management?

Q. Define e-waste. What are the various methods for effective e-waste management?

Answer :-

e-waste :-
Electronic waste, e-Waste, e-Scrap, or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) describes discarded electrical or electronic devices. "Electronic waste" may also be defined as discarded computers, office electronic equipment, entertainment device electronics, mobile phones, television sets and refrigerators. This includes used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal.

• Of all the different types of waste, electronic waste has the characteristics of :-

(a) the fastest growing segment of waste
(b) most valuable due to its basic composition
(c) very hazardous if not handled carefully

The various methods for effective e-waste management are as follows :-

1. Give your Electronic Waste to a Certified E-Waste Recycler :-

The positive aspect of e-waste recycling is that you have quite a few recycling options. You need to find an e-waste recycler which is officially certified by the Basel Action Network (BAN). BAN is a non-profit organization of recycling companies dedicated to recycling e-waste in a safe and responsible way. All members have to make a pledge and display their Pledge of Responsible Recycling. So, working alongside a certified recycler means that you don't have to worry about polluting another nation or risk losing your personal details to criminals.

Precautions to be taken before donating or recycling your electronics:-

• Upgrade your computer instead of simply replacing it.
• Format all your personal information from your product before discarding it.
• Take out the batteries from your gadgets before getting rid of them.

2. Sell off your Outdated Technology :-

As the old saying goes, 'One man's junk is another man's treasure. This can be applied to helping you get rid of your old electronics. You can tap into online sites like Craigslist, e-Bay or even resort to having a garage sale as this will help you get rid of your outdated electronics. as earn some money.

3. Donating your Outdated Technology :-

Old gadgets that you no longer need can be donated as they may be useful to others. Your old computer may be useful to either an NGO or a student. You should ask yourself these two questions before disposing of your old electronics:

• Is the electronic item working?
• Does the computer have any of your personal information?

A lot of organizations and businesses offer electronic donation programs which you can choose from.

4. Visit Civic Institutions :-

Enquire amongst your local government, universities and schools for any recycling programs they run as a lot of organizations have started assigning a certain day and place for environmentally conscious citizens to come and drop off their e-waste.

5. Give Back to your Electronic Companies or Leave at Drop-off Points :-

A lot of electronic companies tend to have an exchange policy whereby they take back your old gadgets when you buy the latest version, sometimes offering you a discount on your new purchase. A few recycling companies have set up electronic drop off initiatives along with drop off points for products such as cellphones and tablets after which they are recycled. You can ask your local electronics shops regarding any information about drop off locations.

6. Safeguard both the Environment and your Sensitive Information :-

Electronics are an important part of our lives today but the flip side is the e-waste that comes with it. So make sure to format your electronic devices before disposing them of in a proper manner as the consequences of not doing so can be disastrous.