From inequitable to sustainable e-waste processing for reduction of impact on human health and the environment
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Recycling of electric and electronic waste products (e-waste) which amounted to more than 50 million metric tonnes per year worldwide is a massive and global operation. Unfortunately, an estimated 70-80% of this waste has not been properly managed because the waste went from developed to low-income countries to be dumped into landfills or informally recycled. Such recycling has been carried out either directly on landfill sites or in small, often family-run recycling shops without much regulations or oversights. The process traditionally involved manual dismantling, cleaning with hazardous solvents, burning and melting on open fires, etc., which would generate a variety of toxic substances and exposure/hazards to applicators, family members, proximate residents and the environment. The situation clearly calls for global responsibility to reduce the impact on human health and the environment, especially in developing countries where poor residents have been shouldering the hazardous burden. On the other hand, formal e-waste recycling has been mainly conducted in small scales in industrialized countries. Whether the latter process would impose less risk to populations and environment has not been determined yet. Therefore, the main objectives of this review are: 1. to address current trends and emerging threats of not only informal but also formal e-waste management practices, and 2. to propose adequate measures and interventions. A major recommendation is to conduct independent surveillance of compliance with e-waste trading and processing according to the Basel Ban Amendment. The recycling industry needs to be carefully evaluated by joint effort from international agencies, producing industries and other stakeholders to develop better processes. Subsequent transition to more sustainable and equitable e-waste management solutions should result in more effective use of natural resources, and in prevention of adverse effects on health and the environment.
Source: Environmental Research
Authors: Balázs Ádám, Thomas Göen, Paul T.J. Scheepers, Diana Adliene, Bojan Batinic, Lygia T. Budnik, Radu-Corneliu Duca, Manosij Ghosh, Doina I. Giurgiu, Lode Godderis, Ozlem Goksel, Karoline K. Hansen, Pavlos Kassomenos, Natasa Milic, Hans Orru, Anastasia Paschalidou, Maja Petrovic, Judita Puiso, Jelena Radonic, Maja T. Sekulic, Joao Paulo Teixeira, Hilal Zaid, William W. Au
Institutions: United Arab Emirates University, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Radboud University Nijmegen, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Kaunas University of Technology, University of Novi Sad, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Laboratoire National de Santé, KU Leuven, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Ege University, Aarhus University Hospital, University of Ioannina, University of Tartu, Democritus University of Thrace, Al-Qasemi Academic College of Education, Universitatea de Medicină, Farmacie, Științe și Tehnologie „George Emil Palade” din Târgu Mureș
Language: English
Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
Awards: G3233732562, G4085595198, G8795387108
OpenAlex ID: W3119396202