Essay – International E-Waste Day
International E-Waste Day Essay: Electronic waste is a waste which is generated when an electrical product is discarded after the end of its life. It is also abbreviated as e-waste. Globally the problem of e-waste has become a major problem because of the complexity and the degree of the waste generated. As per the UN estimates about 8 kg of e-waste was generated per individual in 2023 worldwide. Of this only 17.4% of e-waste is completely processed.
14th October is celebrated as the international e-waste all over the world. This practice was started on the initiative of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum in the year 2018. It emphasizes the growing concern of electronic waste all around the world. The theme and slogan for international e-waste day 2023 was You can recycle anything with a plug, battery or cable!
E-waste management is a global issue and India is also a leading generator of electronic waste. As per the global e waste monitor report 2020 about 3.2 million tons of e-waste was generated in 2019 and India is the third largest e-waste generating country in the world just after China and US.
The major reasons behind the generation of such huge amounts of e-waste globally are rapid technological change and upgradation, shortage of recycling facilities, consumerist behavior, unorganized waste collection process, short lifespan on the cheap electronic products, less incentives for organized waste collection etc. Also the distribution of the e-waste is not uniform all over the world and the developed countries despite being the highest generator of e-waste are least accountable for it. Most of the e-waste generated in the developed Nations are exported to developing countries like India, China, Pakistan, Africa etc.
There are many ill effects of the e-waste generation. Firstly they are highly responsible for the environmental pollution. All the electronic products have heavy metals and many toxic chemicals which leach into the soil and underground water in the case of mishandling of e-waste. It also causes many health issues especially respiratory illnesses because of the fine particulate matter and toxins generated while using them. Secondly, the electronic waste management industry is highly unorganized which is done by rag pickers, waste segregators etc. They are themselves subjected to the worst physical, social and health issues. Lastly, the electronic waste generated as a huge economic burden also. Billions of worth of heavy and precious metals are being dumped unrecovered. Even due to technological advancement the well functioning electronic item is treated as an e-waste.
Electronic waste management is the need of the hour. Measures like formalization of the e-waste management sector should be prioritized. Incentives should be provided for the institutional e waste recovery. Advanced methods should be applied for recovery of heavy and precious metals. The best way for e-waste management is to have a 3R strategy. That is to reduce reuse and recycle. The e-waste management also includes a behavioral change which should propagate the importance of minimizing electronic waste and optimizing the utility of any electronic item to its fullest.
Many initiatives have been launched at the national and global level for e-waste management. In India the e waste management rules were notified in 2016 and the e-waste management amendment rules were notified in 2018. They were aimed at ensuring the extended producer responsibility and categorizing the e-waste. Globally the basel convention governs the trans boundary movement of hazardous waste and the effective methods of their disposal. Whereas the Nairobi declaration aims to create an innovative e waste management solution which is environmentally sound. The most effective way of reducing the e-waste generation is to incentivise its collection in the form of tax concessions and rebates etc.
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