Managing Electronic Waste with Recycling: A Review of Developing and Developed Regions

Abstract

The objective of the study is twofold: first is to explore how electronic waste (e-waste) is managed through recycling in the developing and developed regions. Secondly, the study suggest approach towards recycling of e-waste in a manner friendly to the environment. This review paper was prompted by the escalating rate at which electronic waste is growing around the world. Electronic waste when poorly managed it has damaging effects on the environment and health. The paper is a narrative overview of the literature synthesizing the findings of literature retrieved from online database searches and grey literature. Hand searches of the references of retrieved literature were conducted. Findings indicated that developing countries mostly follow unsafe and unregulated recycling methods. The reasons for engaging in these activities range from unemployment and poverty, lack or limited awareness about e-waste damaging effects on health and the environmental. On the other hand, developed regions are in illicit exportation of e-waste. The causes range from the high cost of recycling in developed countries, strict regulations, disguising e-waste as a donation and mislabeling of export containers. The study therefore, suggests that formal recycling and informal recycling be combined to reap the benefits of both. Informal recycling has a grand collection system whereas formal uses relatively safer facilities. In order for collaboration to happen incentives (preferably financial) are to be in place for informal recyclers. Secondly informal recyclers need to be educated about the harmful effects of unsafe recycling practices on their health and the environment.