E-waste Generation Research Articles

E-waste challenges of generative artificial intelligence.

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) requires substantial computational resources for model training and inference, but the electronic-waste (e-waste) implications of GAI and its management strategies remain underexplored. Here we introduce a computational power-driven material flow analysis framework to quantify and explore ways of managing the e-waste generated by GAI, with a particular focus on large language models. Our findings indicate that this e-waste stream could increase, potentially reaching a total accumulation of 1.2-5.0 million tons during 2020-2030, under different future GAI development settings. This may be intensified in the context of geopolitical restrictions on semiconductor imports and the rapid server turnover for operational cost savings. Meanwhile, we show that the implementation of circular economy strategies along the GAI value chain could reduce e-waste generation by 16-86%. This underscores the importance of proactive e-waste management in the face of advancing GAI technologies.

Heavy metal contamination of the Nigerian environment from e-waste management: A systematic review of exposure pathway and attendant pathophysiological implications

Nigerian environment has become a depository of worrisome levels of toxicants including heavy metals. Electrical and electronic equipment which leads to the generation of e-waste is one of the considerable sources of environmental contaminants in Nigeria. This systematic review deployed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method to analyze various empirical and quantitative outputs on heavy metal components of e-waste management sites in Nigeria and investigated the distribution of heavy metals in several environmental matrices such as soil, water, surface dust, plant and blood of e-waste scavengers. Also, the probable environmental multi-transformation that ultimately potentiates the susceptibility of humans to the pathophysiological effects and genetic related disorders of exposure to heavy metal component of e-waste was discussed. The relative abundance of metals in soils due to inappropriate e-waste handling is given as follow: Fe>Cu>Pb>Zn>Mn>Co>Cr>Ni>As>Cd, in underground and surface water: Zn>Fe>Cu>Cr>Mn>Pb>Hg>Ni>Co>Cd>As; in surface dusts: Fe>Zn>Pb>Cu>Mn>Cr>Ni>Cd>Co; in plants: Pb>Cu>Mn>Zn>Ni>Cr>Cd obtained from the Nigerian environment. Moreso, the estimated abundance of heavy metals in the blood of e-waste scavengers is Nigeria is given as Cr>Cd>Hg>Zn>As>Pb>Cu>Mn>Fe. Conclusively, this study does not only show that various matrices of Nigerian environment is contaminated with heavy metal but also that the pattern of abundance differ in the environment and in biological systems with the latter having the abundance of Pb, Cr and Cd and the former having the abundance of Cu, Zn and Fe.

Rare Earth Elements: A Global Scenario and Understanding of Their Impacts, Challenges, and Recycling Processes in Bangladesh through Global Literature

Over the last decade, rare earth elements (REEs) have gained international attention due to their multiple usages. Because of their unique properties, the elements play a vital role in electronics, defense, aerospace, transportation, agriculture, and communications technology. They are also critical to the high technology and low carbon economy. These applications drive demand for rare earth products and promote the steady development of the rare earth industry. In this paper, we have reviewed the current scenario, applications, challenges, and impacts of REEs from a global perspective. It is seen that China leads in the production of REEs worldwide. Globally, REE production is associated with a range of environmental issues, including mining-related pollution, the generation of radioactive waste, water scarcity, soil contamination, and deforestation, all of which impact both humans and animals. Drawing from global literature, we discussed a comparative scenario of REEs in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, the rising population has led to increased REE demand, and we utilized secondary sources to deduce REE impacts. We overviewed aspects such as 100% electricity coverage, import opportunities from the other countries, and government initiatives, all contributing to the growing REE demand and e-waste generation in Bangladesh. Currently, there is no recycling process available. Subsequently, we highlighted the situation in Bangladesh regarding REE management, presented suggestions for recycling based on recent global literature, and provided recommendations for the future.

Circular economy, economic growth, and e-waste generation in EU27 countries: Further evidence from the novel circular economy index and threshold effect.

The circular economy has been identified as a critical keyword for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Nevertheless, there is a lack of in-depth empirical literature on the impact mechanisms of the circular economy (CE) and economic growth (GDP) in mitigating e-waste generation (waste electrical and electronic equipment -WEEE). Given Europe's leading position in e-waste generation per capita, the study aims to scrutinize the interplay between CE, GDP, and WEEE for 2010-2020. The research applies advanced econometric methods, primarily centered around the system generalized method of moment and dynamic panel threshold. It was noteworthy that different CE indicators exhibited varying effects on WEEE through the econometric analysis. Therefore, the research uniquely utilized the entropy weight method to compute a holistic composite index for the circular economy (CEI) and gained some interesting findings. Firstly, CEI significantly reduced WEEE, while GDP drove its increase. However, an overly developed CEI of 0.7616 counteracted its beneficial effect. Secondly, the synergy of CEI*GDP engendered the circular economy rebound effect, diminishing environmental benefits. Thirdly, in the circular context, the environmental Kuznets curve was validated, showcasing an inverted U-shaped pattern. Finally, the study found CEI to have different threshold effects, with thresholds of 0.2161 to inhibit WEEE, 0.2114 to avert the circular economy rebound effect, and 0.2360 to leverage GDP in reducing WEEE. These outcomes give insights to policymakers in designing sound policies targeting circular economy development and decoupling e-waste generation from economic growth towards the United Nations' SDGs.

A Large-Scale Electrometallurgical Treatment of Waste Printed Circuit Board (WPCB) in Ethylene Glycol for Metal Recovery

The accumulating generation of E-Waste is gaining more concern. This work reported an environmental-friendly approach, slurry electrolysis (SE), to highly effectively recover metals embedded in Waste Printed Circuit Board (WPCB). The reusable ethylene glycol (EG) is employed as the electrolyte, simple and cheap graphite rod, and copper strip function as anode and cathode, respectively. And it could operate at room temperature and pressure. EG can withstand for hours or days of electrolysis with no sign of degradation but evaporation. It has shown a good selectivity in the leaching solution with metal ions. The metals with high activity could be electrochemically oxidized but not reduced. The metals with low activity could undergo both. From the current results, the system has demonstrated a moderate faraday efficiency of the cathode of 67.7%, successfully recovered 95-97% copper from the real WPCB powder with 61% copper, 24% Al, 10% Zn, 3% Sn and some trace metals. Notably, the extracted metals are all in powder form and easily extractable, indicating that it requires only some facile treatments to make the powder eligible for replacement from mining. This study proved another novel approach to recovering metals from E-Waste on an industrial scale.

E-waste Management Practices: A Case of Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City, Nepal

The fast deterioration of electronic gadgets is being caused by the highly competitive electronic market and the rising purchasing patterns of consumers. It can be difficult to handle electronics when their useful lives are ending and when they are replaced or thrown away for various reasons over time. This research aims to comprehend the viewpoint of electronics consumers regarding managing their electronic waste, with a particular focus on Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City's ward no. 05. The factors found in the literature were used to create questionnaires. The questions were created using various sources, including socioeconomic and demographic data, information on E-waste generation and disposal practices, consumer intentions toward E-waste management, and awareness levels. The study's findings demonstrated that while consumers were aware of the issues surrounding E-waste, they lacked a significant amount of knowledge regarding formal recycling centers and other strategies for managing waste. Additionally, it was seen that most respondents were either willing to sell their televisions and desktop computers to scrap traders or wanted to repair them. For instance, the majority of participants reported never receiving any E-waste management training, but many also claimed they would be prepared to pay the E-waste handling organization to participate in E-waste management programs and hence, Itahari Sub-Metropolitan is advised to undertake community-based initiatives to improve E-waste management programs.

Inventory and management of E-waste: a case study of Kerala, India.

The recent surge in electronic device usage has led to a notable rise in electronic waste (E-waste) generation, presenting significant environmental challenges. This study aims to quantify Kerala's E-waste inventory and formulate a comprehensive management plan. Utilizing sales data from 2017 to 2020 and estimating E-waste generation based on "average" or "end-of-life" durations of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) items, the analysis forecasts substantial E-waste quantities. Key assumptions include correlating sales data with E-waste generation and utilizing guidelines for estimating E-waste quantities based on EEE item types and sales figures. The highest E-waste generation is predicted for the years 2028-2029, estimated at 97,541 tonnes, which iscrucial for the state's management strategy. To address this challenge, the study proposes a comprehensive environmental management plan that integrates the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) into its core strategies. The plan includes establishing 78 collection units across the state, strategically allocated based on theTaluk (a sub-division of a district) population, to ensure efficient E-waste collection and recovery of reusable items. Additionally, the study outlines the need for 273 recycling units statewide, with Malappuram district requiring the most units due to its high population density. The plan emphasizes efficient E-waste collection, segregation, and recycling, promoting responsible consumption and resource conservation. The study furnishes a "cradle-to-grave" framework for the management of E-waste at local, regional, and national levels, serving as a valuable resource for pollution control boards, regulatory bodies, statutory bodies, and research organizations alike.

КЛАСИФІКАЦІЯ ВІДХОДІВ ЕЛЕКТРИЧНОГО ТА ЕЛЕКТРОННОГО ОБЛАДНАННЯ ЗА ОЗНАКОЮ ЕКОЛОГІЧНОЇ НЕБЕЗПЕКИ

The article discusses the problem of waste electrical and electronic equipment, which is constantly growing due to the mass consumption of equipment and its rapid obsolescence. Data on the volumes and forecasts of e-waste generation in the future, which belong to specific types of waste based on their composition and structure, are provided. The article emphasizes that due to the content of various components made of different materials, including rare, valuable, and hazardous compounds, waste electrical and electronic equipment poses a significant threat to human health and the environment. As a result, there is a need for specialized management of this type of waste. Based on the analysis of the characteristics and properties of the waste, aiming to ensure effective management of this waste and focusing on its ecological hazards, a classification of waste electrical and electronic equipment by ecological hazard is proposed. The proposed waste classification divides them into three categories, depending on the level of potential negative impact on human health and the environment as a result of improper handling, and determines optimal management methods for each category. It is noted that this classification can be used as an auxiliary tool in the 10R waste management hierarchy, which is the basis of the circular economy 3.0, and is described in detail in the article in the context of this type of waste. A separate part of the article is dedicated to comparing the proposed classification of waste with other known classifications of waste electrical and electronic equipment. Both common features and differences are highlighted, emphasizing the greater comprehensiveness of the proposed classification, including the determination of optimal methods for of e-waste management to reduce the negative impact on the environment and extend the life cycle of the equipment.

Revisiting e-waste management: A review of global practices and sustainability

With rapid population growth, as well as, technological advancement, the generation of e-wastes is increasing day by day and has become a fact of emergent concern for scientific and research communities worldwide. Though the most developed territories generate the highest amount of e-wastes, little efforts has been put towards managing them. European countries, including United Kingdom, Germany, and France are managing significant amount of e-wastes responsibly. The informal and unscientific management of e-wastes led to severe health and environmental hazards. The traditional waste management methods, such as, landfilling, and incineration expels significant amount of heavy and toxic chemicals to the environment, leading to severe air, water, and soil pollution. However, proper management strategies for e-wastes not only inhibit the associated harmful effect towards the lives on earth, but also favor circular economy. The sustainability of the strategies for managing e-wastes lie in the responsibility of all stakeholders associated with it. In this review, we have discussed the statistics of global of e-wastes generation and recycling, effect of e-wastes towards lives and the environment, different methodologies of managing e-wastes, and strategies for sustainable e-waste management.

Reveal dynamic flows of regional e-waste: Evidence from a field research

Electronic waste (e-waste) has increased because of the rapid replacement of electrical and electronic equipment. Owing to the increased emphasis on the dual properties of environmental contamination and metal resources, accurate identification of the e-waste recycling process is crucial. In this study, a product-level material flow analysis (MFA) is performed from a macroscopic social flow of waste TV sets in order to demonstrate the material metabolism of regional e-waste recycling. Previous studies have focused on the estimation of the quantity of e-waste generated or analyzing the overall amount of recycled resource output, the results derived from the estimation may have some unreliability, and our bottom-up research investigates the material flows that occur between the generation, collection and recycling of e-waste. MFA based on questionnaires and field research present accurate quantities and proportions of the recycling process. The results reveal that accelerating the construction of regional e-waste recycling systems and data networks and accurately identifying e-waste source, flow, and destination are required in order to improve resource efficiency toward carbon neutrality.

E-waste circular economy decision-making: a comprehensive approach for sustainable operation management in the UK

E-waste generation has broadly increased worldwide and is called intense pressure on sustainable practice implementation firms by recycling and redesigning the products. Thus, e-waste operation management in developed countries like the UK has become the top priority and is subjected to multiple sustainable circular economies (CE) contributing factors, including social, technical, environmental, and governmental policies. The authorized decision-makers can benefit from a well-established systematic decision-making tool to assess and evaluate the e-waste operation management considering the potential CE contributing factors. An extensive literature overview is expanded to identify the most relevant and influential contributing factors to e-waste CE. The city of London Metropolitan has been selected as the case location. In this regard, it is necessary to utilize an advanced multi-criteria decision-making tool to explore the interdependency and causality of CE-relevant factors. The present study proposed an innovative decision-making approach to address the multiple contributing factors of causality, interdependency, data, and model uncertainty in practice. It uses the step-wise weighted influence nonlinear gauge system method integrated with Fermatean fuzzy linguistic sets. This study conducted a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed decision-making approach in e-waste operation management. The results are promising, clearly demonstrating the framework’s competence. The CE index, crucial in designing e-waste operation management strategies, was calculated to be 2.8036. Among the various factors analyzed, “Environmental Management Systems” emerged as the most significant driving factor. This underscores the critical need to improve environmental management systems within e-waste operations.

Opportunities and challenges for circular economy in the Maldives: A stakeholder analysis of informal E-waste management in the Greater Malé Region

In the Maldives, the contribution of the informal sector to e-waste management is significant as a formal e-waste management system is not yet established. The opportunities for advancing the circular economy in the Maldives’ e-waste sector rely on the possibility of its formalization. This study aimed to examine the current and anticipated situations of e-waste management in the Greater Malé Region of the Maldives, with a specific focus on formalizing the informal sector. Interviews and questionnaire-based surveys were conducted followed by statistical analysis of the data. The t-test performed for the consumer survey data (n = 202) suggests that formalization encourages consumers to engage with the informal sector, resulting in increased resource recovery. Thematic analysis of interviews conducted with both formal and informal sector stakeholders (n = 17) revealed that the informal sector plays a substantial role in managing e-waste. It also underscored the need for government assistance to enhance safety and productivity in this sector. Various opportunities and challenges for establishing a circular economy in the country were identified, such as the rise in e-waste generation, the presence of an active informal workforce, the lack of sufficient government support, and prevailing stereotypes among consumers regarding informal workers. These findings provide a fresh perspective on the solutions for waste management in the Maldives and open the door to further explore the significance of the informal sector and feasible formalization initiatives. This study could contribute to the literature on the role of the informal sector in waste management in the Maldives and other small island developing states.

E-Waste: Management Techniques for The Environmental Sustainability

The growing generation of E-Waste has forced the various environmental agencies of the world to studies about the serious problematic trends of generation, uses, management and about the discarded part of E-Waste. This problem also grabs attention of many researchers of the world to know about the different aspects of E-Waste generation in such a rapid rate. Some of them discover new ways of handling this electronic waste which contains hazardous and some precious metals in it. This research paper delves into the global challenges posed by electronic waste (e-waste) and explores opportunities for sustainable management. The study underscores the pressing need for responsible recycling strategies, advocating the circular economy model as a viable framework. It provides a detailed examination of India's burgeoning e-waste generation, regulatory measures, and the imperative for effective enforcement. The paper explores mechanical methods for e-waste processing, considering efficiency, economic implications, and the life cycle assessment of e-waste. Practical applications of e-waste in civil engineering, from construction materials to artistic installations, are outlined. Ultimately, the research emphasizes the urgency of collaborative efforts among governments, industries, and individuals to establish robust infrastructure and practices for responsible e-waste management, weighing economic advantages against potential environmental hazards associated with recycling.

Sustainable considerations in additive manufacturing processes: A review

Efficient waste management practices are becoming increasingly necessary due to the negative environmental and health impacts of waste generation and disposal. One type of waste that has received particular attention is electronic waste (e-waste). This category of waste has the potential to cause significant environmental harm if not disposed of properly. The management of e-waste is crucial in the electrical/electronic industry which has led to the creation of models and institutional legislature to promote sustainable production processes. Among these processes, Additive manufacturing otherwise referred to as 3D printing is particularly effective in reducing waste generation and energy requirements by reusing spent parts and products as feedstock. Sustainability in the manufacturing and production sectors can be promoted through the inculcation of certain practices. Of these practices, reusing e-waste that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills has the potential to promote environmental cost savings. This article introduces the potential of e-waste being integrated into the manufacturing sector to promote sustainable production. The article also addresses the problem of geometric e-waste generation and suggests an efficient way of reusing waste from the electrical and electronic industries.

Public Cognizance of E-waste Effects on Human Health and Environment: Evidence from Punjab, Pakistan

The negative effects of electronic waste (e-waste) on the environment and human health are globally acknowledged. Across the world, developing countries in Asia are the most vulnerable countries in hosting e-waste. Informal recycling and crude processing of e-waste cause environmental degradation and harm human health. Therefore, the study analyzes public awareness about e-waste effects on human health and the environment using a logit model with a mean comparison of variables based on primary data of 312 respondents. Meanwhile, the study notifies the correlation of e-waste generation with gross domestic product (GDP), population, and electrical & electronic equipment (EEE) put in the Pakistani market. Moreover, the study discusses other pollutants putting a burden on human lives and the environment in Pakistan. Lastly, we provide a brief overview of the study’s implications on both theory and practical applications while emphasizing key areas for future research work.

Exploring the insights and benefits of biomass-derived sulfuric acid activated carbon for selective recovery of gold from simulated waste streams

The surging affluent in society, concomitant with increasing global demand for electrical and electronic devices, has led to a sharp rise in e-waste generation. E-wastes contain significant amounts of precious metals, such as gold, which can be recovered and reused, thus reducing the environmental impact of mining new metals. Selective recovery using sustainable and cost-effective materials and methods is therefore vital. This study undertook a detailed evaluation of low-cost biomass-derived activated carbon (AC) for selective recovery of Au from simulated e-waste streams. Utilizing high-performance synthesized H2SO4-AC, the adsorption mechanisms were explicated through a combination of characterization techniques, i.e., FE-SEM, BET, TGA, XRD, FTIR, XPS, and DFT simulations to conceptualize the atomic and molecular level interactions. Optimization of coordination geometries between model H2SO4-AC and anionic complexes revealed the most stable coordination for AuCl4- (binding energy, Eb = -4064.15 eV). The Au selectivity was further enhanced by reduction of Au(III) to Au(0), as determined by XRD and XPS. The adsorption reaction was relatively fast (∼5h), and maximum Au uptake reached 1679.74 ± 37.66 mg/g (among highest), achieved through adsorption isotherm experiments. Furthermore, a mixture of 0.5 M thiourea/1 M HCl could effectively elute the loaded Au and regenerate the spent AC. This study presents radical attempts to examine in detail, the synergistic effects of H2SO4 activation on biomass-derived ACs for selective recovery of Au from complex mixtures. The paper therefore describes a novel approach for the selective recovery of Au from e-wastes using multifunctional biomass-derived H2SO4-AC.

A Study on E-waste Generation and Disposal in a Tertiary Care Government Teaching Hospital, Lucknow

Abstract Background: KGMU is a 4000 bedded super-specialty hospital with 69 specialities. The hospital generated huge amount of E-waste due to large volume of medical equipment, IT appliances and electrical fittings. Currently there is no set disposal method defined for the disposal. The objective of the study is estimation of e-waste generation and develop a method of disposal as per laid down guidelines by the government. Aim and Objective: Aim of the study was to estimate amount of e -waste generated and disposal methods used by Hospital to discard these waste. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted at tertiary hospital of Lucknow and the data was compiled from the available records of last one year in the Engineering department of the hospital. The study was retrospective and observational. Currently e-waste generated is handed over to Engineering department, which conducts annual or bi annual auction as per requirement. Result: E-waste generated in last financial year at KGMU was around 8 tonnes which was disposed by open auction method to the highest bidder. A SOP has been developed incorporating all the government regulations and directions. Salient features are • The SOP defined various categories of e-waste like medical equipment, IT equipment and other electrical and electronic equipment. • New Purchases- All e-equipment’s to be purchases with buy back policy. • For existing Equipment’s- 6 monthly condemnation board to be constituted and items listed to be auctioned based on H1 to the registered vendors only. Conclusion: E-waste is an environmental threat and hence disposal in all hospitals should be done as per various guidelines.

E-Waste Generation, Management and Impacts: A Review in Present Indian Scenario

E-Waste Generation, Management and Impacts: A Review in Present Indian Scenario

Identification of Electronic Waste (E-Waste) generation from the household and non-household sectors in Indonesia and its sustainable management system

The rapid development of technology has spurred competition among electronics manufacturers to innovate. The resulting electronic waste (e-waste) has potential hazards due to its composition. The prediction of e-waste generation is carried out using the Delay Model method, modified by applying end-of-life (EoL) value to the lifespan to adjust Indonesian society’s treatment of e-waste. The calculations show that the prediction of hazardous material from Indonesia’s household sector will reach 16,653.73 tonnes in 2040, while the non-household sector comes to 25,391.72 tonnes in 2040. The most e-product produced from the household sector is TV with 3,763.74 tonnes, while the non-household sector is also dominated by TV with 23,380.52 tonnes in 2040. The composition of materials obtained from e-waste, in general, is 1% hazardous materials, 31% ferrous metal, then 27% glass and plastic materials, 6% non-ferrous metals, and 8% other materials. Thus, the total generation of e-waste will reach 4,204,545.43 tonnes, and the hazardous components in e-products only reach 42,045.45 tonnes or about 1% of the total e-product generation. In the future, it is necessary to integrate and formalize the handling of e-waste from the informal sector, which has been developing into the formal sector. This research is expected to be used as a reference by the government to make regulations, plans, and strategies related to hazardous waste management to prevent harm to the environment and human health.

Environmental Injustice and Electronic Waste in Ghana: Challenges and Recommendations.

Electronic waste (e-waste) or discarded electronic devices that are unwanted, not working, or have reached their end of life pose significant threats to human and environmental health. This is a major concern in Africa, where the majority of e-waste is discarded. In the year 2021, an estimated 57.4 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide. Globally, COVID-19 lockdowns have contributed to increased e-waste generation. Although Africa generates the least of this waste, the continent has been the dumping ground for e-waste from the developed world. The flow of hazardous waste from the prosperous 'Global North' to the impoverished 'Global South' is termed "toxic colonialism". Agbogbloshie, Ghana, an e-waste hub where about 39% of e-waste was treated, was listed among the top 10 most polluted places in the world. The discard of e-waste in Ghana presents an issue of environmental injustice, defined as the disproportionate exposure of communities of color and low-income communities to pollution, its associated health and environmental effects, and the unequal environmental protection provided through policies. Despite the economic benefits of e-waste, many civilians (low-income earners, settlers, children, and people with minimal education) are exposed to negative health effects due to poverty, lack of education, and weak regulations. We critically examine the existing literature to gather empirical information on e-waste and environmental injustice. Comprehensive policies and regulations are needed to manage e-waste locally and globally.