eWaste – Class 12 | Chapter – 16 | Biology Short Notes Series PDF

eWaste: eWaste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices and components such as computers, televisions, cell phones, and other consumer electronics. It is a growing environmental issue due to the increasing amount of electronic devices being produced and discarded, as well as the hazardous materials contained in these devices.

Impact of eWaste on the Environment

Some of the key impacts of eWaste include:

  • Environmental pollution: eWaste contains a range of hazardous materials, including lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can cause serious environmental pollution when not properly managed.
  • Health risks: eWaste can pose a threat to human health, particularly in countries where it is frequently burned or dismantled in informal recycling operations, releasing toxic substances into the environment.
  • Loss of valuable resources: Many electronic devices contain valuable materials that can be recovered and reused, but this requires proper collection and recycling.
  • Climate change: eWaste can contribute to climate change through the production of greenhouse gases associated with the manufacturing and disposal of electronic devices.

Common Examples of eWaste

eWaste, or electronic waste, refers to any discarded electronic devices and components, including but not limited to:

  • Computers (desktops, laptops, tablets)
  • Televisions (CRT, LCD, plasma)
  • Cell phones and smartphones
  • Printers and copiers
  • DVD and Blu-ray players
  • Gaming consoles
  • Monitors
  • Audio equipment (stereos, speakers, MP3 players)
  • Networking equipment (modems, routers)
  • Office equipment (fax machines, shredders)

Situation of eWaste in India

India is one of the largest producers of electronic waste (eWaste) in the world, with an estimated 1.7 million tons of eWaste generated annually. However, the country lacks a comprehensive and effective system for managing eWaste, leading to serious environmental and health problems. Some of the key challenges and impacts in India include:

  • Informal recycling: A large proportion of eWaste in India is handled by informal recyclers who often use hazardous methods, such as open burning, to extract valuable materials. This releases toxic substances into the environment and poses serious health risks to workers and nearby communities.
  • Lack of regulations: India lacks comprehensive regulations for the management of eWaste, which makes it difficult to control the informal recycling sector and ensure that eWaste is managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
  • Environmental pollution: Poor eWaste management practices in India can result in serious environmental pollution, including soil and water contamination, air pollution, and the release of greenhouse gases.
  • Health risks: Informal eWaste recycling in India poses serious health risks to workers, who may be exposed to hazardous substances, and to nearby communities, who may be affected by air and water pollution.

eWaste Management Rule In India

In India, the management of electronic waste (eWaste) is regulated by the e-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, which were introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The rules aim to promote the environmentally sound management of eWaste and provide a framework for the collection, storage, treatment, disposal, and processing of eWaste.

The key provisions of the e-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 include:

  • Producer responsibility: The rules require manufacturers, brand owners, and importers to take responsibility for the collection and disposal of eWaste generated from their products.
  • Collection and channelization: The rules require the establishment of a system for the collection of eWaste and channelization of the collected eWaste to authorized recyclers and dismantlers.
  • Authorized recyclers and dismantlers: The rules specify the criteria for the recognition and authorization of recyclers and dismantlers and set standards for their operations, including the handling and disposal of eWaste.
  • Environmental standards: The rules set environmental standards for the storage, treatment, and disposal of eWaste, including the use of environmentally sound techniques and the minimization of hazardous substances.
  • Transparency and reporting: The rules require producers, recyclers, and dismantlers to maintain records of eWaste generated, collected, stored, treated, and disposed of, and to submit annual reports to the MoEFCC.

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By Team Learning Mantras