Changes in composition of EEE and subsequent impacts on electronic waste

Abstract

This paper focuses on changes in the material composition of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) with reference to the six controlled chemical substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polybrominated biphenyls) listed under the European Union (EU) Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. The impact of such changes on the global electronic waste (e-waste) problem has been evaluated. Case studies of two electronics giants are considered in order to assess implementation of the RoHS directive in the global electronics manufacturing industry. A number of other instances of change by some leading EEE giants are also incorporated. It has been found that a social phenomenon – increasing awareness of the global e-waste problem – resulted in the formulation and implementation of the RoHS directive by the EU, and eventually influenced technological innovations related to EEE by limiting the use of six considerably hazardous substances. Thus, it is apparent from this study that there is a significant and larger role of society in shaping technological processes and innovations, which has the potential to impact on a global scale. In the case considered here, it is the global phenomenon of producing end-of-life EEE (i.e. e-waste) with less detrimental human health and environmental implications.