Waste Management — I Impact of Waste Accumulation — Question 5

E-waste or electronic waste refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices that are no longer useful to their users. This can happen due to redundancy, replacement by newer models, or damage.

Managing e-waste is challenging for several reasons:

• Rapid advances in technology lead to frequent upgrades and shorter product lifespans.
• E-waste contains hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can harm the environment and human health if not disposed of properly.
• It requires specialised recycling and disposal processes, which are often lacking or poorly implemented in many areas.

As a result, e-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, accounting for more than 5% of all municipal solid waste.