College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
Department of Electrical and Computer engineering
Research Methods
Individual assignment I
Name
Abrham Nega
Id number
ETS 0074/13
Section: - A
Submitted to: -Abiy Mekonnen
Submission date: - Jan 16, 2022
Effect of Improper Disposal of Electronic Devices on the Environment
One of the current issues with electronics is improper electronic device disposal. Electronic
wastes, often known as e-wastes, are generated when the electronic equipment we use become
outdated and reach the end of their useful life cycle. Improper disposal of electronic devices
include dismantling and melting the devices that in turn cause the devices to release toxins to the
environment.[1] One way to reduce the impact of electronic wastes is to sell or donate outdated
electronic devices to someone else who could use them rather than improperly throwing away
them. However, this hasn't yet had a significant impact on the issue because the real issue comes
from other sources, such as manufacturers who encourage frequent upgrades and the cycle of
many new electronic devices, making the outdated and obsolete ones outdated and unwanted by
consumers. For instance, cell phone manufacturers produce short-lived smartphones to
encourage customers to buy new models.
There are six main categories of electronic wastes these are: lamps, small IT and telecom
equipment, screen and monitors, temperature exchange equipment, large equipment and small
equipment. According to researches more than 50 million tons of electronic waste is generated
globally every year.[2] Thus the name „tsunami of e-waste‟ was given by the UN.[3] Since 2010,
the volume of e-waste generated globally has been steadily rising. Technological advancements
and growing consumer demand as well as planned obsolesce have defined the era in which
electronics have become a prominent part of the waste stream.[2] There are laws governing the
disposal of electronic waste in many countries, but it is unclear whether these countries are
actually abiding by the laws since their policies are just programmatic and not legally binding.
The main impact of improper electronic waste disposal is the hazardous elements they contain,
which pose serious risks to the soil and air. It will affect humans, animal species and the
ecosystem as a whole.[1] If the problem is not solved it will not only cause environmental
pollution but it will also pose threats on human health like damaging respiratory health and
causing chronic diseases and cancer. It will specially affect the residents living near the
electronic waste recycling sites where the wastes are dismantled and melted. The residents are
affected by either inhaling the contaminated air or ingestion or dermal contact. It will also have a
negative effect on prenatal babies. [4]
Children are especially sensitive to electronic wastes due to their small size, higher metabolism
rate, larger surface area in relation to their weight, and multiple exposure pathways such as
dermal, hand-to-mouth and take-home exposure. So they have eight times potential health risk
compared to the adult electronic waste recycling workers. [5] The complex composition and
improper handling of electronic waste also largely affects the electronic waste recycling workers‟
health. For instance, open burning of printed wiring boards increases the concentration of dioxins
and these toxins cause an increased risk of cancer if inhaled by workers. Studies show that if the
problem is not addressed it will cause potential health risks like mental health, impaired
cognitive function and general physical health damage.[5] Therefore, solving this issue not only
introduces a sustainable method of disposing of electronic waste, but also eliminates the
concerns mentioned above.
The aim of this study is to find a more effective solution to this issue. It will identify the root
causes of the issue and the aggravating elements. It will look into better, more environmentally
friendly methods of disposing of electronic waste. To examine the issue, a review of the
literature and data gathered from various organizations will be used.
References
[1] Elytus, Ltd, “E-Waste & Its Negative Effects on the Environment” elytus.com
https://elytus.com/blog/e-waste-and-its-negative-effects-on-the-environment.html (accessed Jan.
15, 2023)
[2] Lan Tiseo, “Global Waste Generation – Statistics & Facts” statista.com.
https://www.statista.com/topics/4983/waste-generation-worldwide/ (accessed Jan. 16, 2023)
[3] World Economic Forum, “A New Circular Vision for Electronics, Time for a Global Reboot”
weforum.org
https://weforum.org/reports/a-new-circular-vision-for-electronics-time-for-a-global-reboot/
(accessed Jan. 16, 2023)
[4] Kristen Grant, Fiona C Goldzein, Peter D Sly, Marie-Noel Brune, Maria Neira, Martin van
den Berg “Health Consequences of Exposure to E-Waste: A Systematic Review” thelancet.com
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-104X(13)70101-3 (accessed Jan. 16, 2023)
[5] Qingbin Song, “A Review on Human Health Consequences of Metals Exposure to E-Waste
in China” sciencedirect.com
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2014.11.004 (accessed Jan. 16, 2023)