In today’s world, everything is done electronically. Everyone depends on electronic devices, even for their basic needs also. It can also be called the machine era. So, it is used and discarded continuously at a sane speed.
- In 2019, an estimation was taken, according to which 53.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste were produced globally, but only 17.4% was collected and recycled. E-waste is the world’s fastest-growing waste stream, and the amount is estimated to increase to 52.2 million metric tonnes by 2021. There are several reasons for the increase. Development in technology is fast-paced, and the price of IT products is dropping. Developed countries continue to contribute most to the problem, but developing countries are rapidly catching up. One of the common substances released into the environment is lead if e-waste is recycled, stored, or dumped using inferior activities.
- E-waste recycling activities may result in several adverse effects on human health. Children and pregnant women are mainly affected.
- According to the reports of the ILO and WHO, it is estimated that millions of women and child laborers working in the informal recycling sector around the world may be at risk because of e-waste exposure.
The problem of growing solid waste streams in the world is increasing three times faster than the world’s population. It contains valuable resources that can be reused and recycled for future usage. It has become a source of income for individuals and communities. People living in low- and middle-income households, particularly children, collect old items from door to door for recycling purposes. E-waste is considered hazardous waste as it contains toxic materials, which produce toxic chemicals when not treated wisely. These toxic materials severely harm human health because they include dioxide, lead, and mercury. Recycling e-waste is a threat to public health and safety. Today, e-waste has become a business for lower-income groups. They collect electronic waste from door to door and sell it for their income. This type of business is flourishing day by day because in every house, many electronic gadgets are used, which means a source of e-waste. So, it should be used wisely and economically.