Methodologies of e-waste recycling and its major impacts on human health and the environment

Abstract

Each year, hundreds of thousands of consumer electronics, computers, monitors, phones, printers, televisions and other portable devices become outdated and were mainly dumped to the landfills or poorly recycled. Recent technological development and growing demands for new and better functioning electronics accelerate the amount of electronic waste (e-waste) worldwide, making it to be one of the fastest growing streams in many countries. The estimated lifespan of electronics is about three to five years because of the increasing rates of consumption, new developments and urbanisation. E-waste contains many hazardous substances, such as halogenated compounds, heavy metals, radioactive substances and micro and nano-size dusts all of which require proper handling during the storage, collection, recycling and disposal stages. This paper highlights the latest developments on e-waste generation and streams, current recycling technologies, as well as human health and environmental impacts of recycling materials and processes.