EWaste

10 Ways Effective Waste Management Can Transform Our Future

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Importance of Waste management Guidebest Compost Techniques.

Turning Trash into Treasure: A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Waste Management

Waste management,it includes the gathering, moving, processing, and discarding of waste products, is an essential component of contemporary society. In order to maintain resource conservation, environmental protection, and public health, efficient waste management is becoming more and more important as our population and industrial activity increase. This blog will examine waste management from a variety of angles, including its significance, varied approaches, real-world applications, and cutting-edge technologies influencing this vital sector in the future.

The Importance of Waste Management

Effective waste management is fundamental for several reasons:

The Importance of Waste Management

  1. Protection of the Environment: Poor waste management pollutes the air, water, and land. For example, plastic waste in the water kills marine life, and methane, a strong greenhouse gas, is released from landfills. Waste management helps to reduce these adverse effects.
  2. Preserving the Resources: Numerous waste products, such as plastics, paper, and metals, can be recycled and utilized again. Recycling goods minimizes the need to extract raw materials, conserves natural resources, and uses less energy.
  3. Public health: Pests and diseases are drawn to cumulated garbage, which poses serious health dangers. Disease incidence is decreased and hygienic conditions are guaranteed by effective waste management.
  4. Economic Benefits: Recycling and energy recovery bring in money and jobs for the waste management sector. Over time, communities can also save money by implementing efficient waste management systems.

Types of Waste and Their Management

Waste can be categorized into several types, each requiring specific management strategies:

Types of Waste and Their Management

  1. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

Household waste such as food scraps, paper, plastics, and metals is included in municipal solid waste, also referred to as trash or rubbish. MSW management is divided into multiple phases:

– Collection and Transportation: Waste is hauled to processing or disposal facilities after being gathered from homes and businesses.

– Segregation: Trash is divided into recyclable, biodegradable, and non-recyclable categories at the plant.

– Processing: Organic waste is delivered to composting facilities, recyclables to recycling plants, and non-recyclables to landfills or incinerators.

Example: Composting and recycling are required under a comprehensive MSW policy implemented by the city of San Francisco. As a result, the city diverts about 80% of its waste from landfills, significantly reducing its environmental effect.

 

  1. Hazardous Waste

Chemicals, batteries, and medical waste are examples of materials that are hazardous, combustible, corrosive, or reactive. When handling hazardous trash, extra caution must be taken:

– Identification: Ordinary garbage is segregated from hazardous waste via identification.

– Storage and Transportation: It is driven to disposal sites by specialized vehicles and kept in safe containers.

– Treatment and Disposal: Before being disposed of, hazardous waste is treated to eliminate any dangerous qualities. Among the techniques are secure landfilling, chemical treatment, and incineration.

Example: The Love Canal disaster in the 1970s raised awareness of the dangers of improperly disposing of hazardous waste. The health of the inhabitants was harmed by chemicals that leaked from a landfill and seeped into the neighborhood, leading to stricter regulations on the management of hazardous waste.

 

 

  1. Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

Televisions, cellphones, and other electronic equipment that have been abandoned are considered e-waste. Because these gadgets include valuable metals and dangerous compounds, e-waste treatment is essential:

– Collection and Recycling: Precious metals like copper, silver, and gold are removed from e-waste before it is transported to specialized recycling facilities.

– Safe Disposal: In order to avoid contaminating the environment, toxic materials like lead and mercury are disposed of carefully.

Example: The goal of Japan’s “Urban Mining” project is to extract valuable metals from electronic waste. The tremendous success of this program has allowed for the recovery of a significant number of metals for use in new technological goods.

 

  1. Organic Waste

Food scraps and yard waste are examples of organic waste that decomposes naturally and can be composted to provide nutrient-rich soil amendments:

– Collection and Segregation: Waste streams that are organic are collected apart from other waste materials.

– Composting: The garbage is broken down into compost at facilities where it breaks down organically to create compost.

Use: The compost that is produced enriches the soil and lessens the demand for chemical fertilizers in landscaping and agriculture.

Example: Through a thorough composting program, the city of Seattle encourages its residents to compost their organic waste. Compost bins and educational materials provided by the city have resulted in a significant divergence of waste from landfills in terms of participation rates.

Read more: Ecofriendly Innovations: A step towards zero waste living

Innovative Technologies in Waste Management

The waste management industry is continually evolving, with new technologies emerging to improve efficiency and sustainability. Some notable innovations include:

Innovative Technologies in Waste Management

  1. Waste-to-Energy (WTE)

Waste-to-electricity technology burns non-recyclable garbage to produce useful electricity. This procedure produces heat or power while lowering the amount of waste dumped in landfills:

– Incineration: High temperatures are used to burn waste, creating steam that powers turbines to produce electricity.

– Gasification and pyrolysis: These procedures turn waste materials into synthetic gas, or syngas, which can be utilized as a chemical feedstock or to generate energy.

Example: Sweden leads the world in WTE technology, converting more than half of its domestic trash into electricity. The nation’s WTE plants drastically cut down on the amount of landfill space used by providing heat and power to thousands of homes.

 

  1. Advanced Recycling Technologies

Conventional recycling techniques may be ineffective and have a narrow focus. Modern recycling techniques seek to increase material recovery and reuse:

– Chemical recycling: This method separates plastics into their constituent chemicals so that they can be recycled to make new polymers.

– Biodegradable Plastics: Advances in material science have produced biodegradable plastics, which naturally break down and lessen the pollution caused by plastic.

Example: Loop Industries has created a chemical recycling method that turns leftover plastics into high-purity PET resin, which can be utilized to create brand-new containers and bottles. This closed-loop technology encourages a circular economy and lessens the amount of plastic garbage produced.

 

  1. Smart Waste Management Systems

Technology and data analytics combined with waste management systems improve efficacy and efficiency:

– IoT Sensors: By monitoring fill levels and streamlining collection routes, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors can be installed in waste bins to cut down on emissions and fuel use.

– Data analytics: By examining waste collection data, trends can be found and waste management tactics can be strengthened.

Example: The city of Barcelona has used data analytics and Internet of Things sensors to develop a smart trash management system. The system has lessened the carbon footprint of the city, slashed operating expenses, and increased collection efficiency.

Read more: Home Composting Meets Latest Solar Innovation

Case Studies in Successful Waste Management

Examining successful waste management programs provides valuable insights and inspiration for other regions looking to improve their systems:

  1. Zero Waste Initiative in Kamikatsu, Japan

Kamikatsu, a small town in Japan, has set an ambitious goal of achieving zero waste by 2020. The town’s waste management strategy includes:

– Extensive Recycling: Residents separate waste into 45 different categories for recycling.

– Composting: Organic waste is composted locally, reducing landfill use.

– Community Involvement: The town emphasizes community participation and education, with residents actively involved in waste reduction efforts.

Kamikatsu has achieved a recycling rate of over 80%, significantly reducing its environmental impact and serving as a model for other communities.

 

  1. Waste Management in Singapore

Singapore, a densely populated city-state, has implemented a comprehensive waste management system to handle its limited land resources:

– Integrated Waste Management: The system includes recycling, incineration, and landfill use, with waste-to-energy plants converting non-recyclable waste into electricity.

– Public Education: Extensive public education campaigns promote recycling and waste reduction.

– Regulation and Enforcement: Strict regulations and enforcement ensure compliance with waste management practices.

Singapore has one of the highest recycling rates in the world and has significantly reduced its reliance on landfills.

 

Challenges and Future Directions in Waste Management

Despite significant advancements, the waste management industry faces ongoing challenges:

– Plastic Pollution: A significant portion of single-use plastics wind up in landfills and the ocean, posing a persistent threat to the environment.

– E-Waste: As technology develops more quickly, there is a greater amount of e-waste produced, which calls for efficient recycling and disposal techniques.

– Infrastructure and Funding: It can be expensive to create and maintain effective waste management systems, especially in developing nations.

 

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Public health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability all depend on efficient garbage management. Individually, we may help with this endeavor by recycling, cutting less on waste, and endorsing laws and programs that encourage environmentally friendly garbage disposal methods.

Communities, corporations, and governments must collaborate to create and put into practice creative solutions that tackle the intricate problems associated with waste management. We can conserve our planet, create a healthy future for future generations, and turn waste into valuable resources by adopting a comprehensive approach and utilizing cutting-edge technologies.

The objective should be to manage garbage responsibly and creatively in an unavoidable future. By working together, we can transform waste into treasure and open the door to a more sustainable and greener future.

Read More: Solar Composting Machinery

5 Big Benefits of Solar Composting Techniques Over Traditional Methods

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ORGANIC WASTE Guidebest Compost Techniques.

Benefits of Solar Composting Techniques for Home and Commercial Uses in Comparison to Traditional Methods.

Composting is becoming a widely used technique for handling organic waste as society comes to value sustainability more and more. But not every composting technique is made equal. This article explores the advantages of solar-powered composting over conventional techniques, emphasizing why it’s a better option for residential and business settings.

Overview of Traditional Composting Methods

Traditional composting techniques mostly depend on insects, fungus, and microbes to aid in the natural breakdown processes. These techniques typically fit into one or two major categories:

  1. Aerobic Composting
  2. Anaerobic Composting
  3. Vermicomposting
  4. Bokashi Composting

Traditional Composting Methods

Aerobic Composting

Process:
  • Material Gathering and Layering: Compost or a container is used to gather and layer organic waste. Brown materials (rich in carbon) like leaves and straw are interspersed with green (nitrogen-rich) resources like kitchen trash and grass clippings.
  • Aeration: The organic waste is broken down by aerobic bacteria, which depend on oxygen, which is introduced into the compost pile through regular turning.
  • Control of Moisture: Microbiological activity depends on maintaining an appropriate level of moisture. It should be as wet as a sponge when the pile is piled high.
  • Decomposition and Maturation: As the organic material ages, bacteria break it down and produce heat in the process. The pile gets smaller and turns into dark, rich compost.

 

Anaerobic Composting

Process:
  • Sealed Environment: To create an oxygen-free environment, organic waste is disposed of in an airtight pit or container.
  • Slow Decomposition: Anaerobic microorganisms break down the material over a long period of time, usually several months to a year, in the absence of oxygen.
  • Leachate Management: In order to avoid contamination, the process leaves behind a liquid byproduct known as leachate that needs to be controlled.

 

Vermicomposting

Process:
  • Worm Bin Setup: Organic waste is placed in a worm bin and red worms (Eisenia fetida) are added.
  • Feeding and Maintenance: The worms eat the organic material, converting it into a very nutritious compost known as worm castings.
  • Harvesting: New organic waste is fed to the bin and worm castings are periodically harvested.

 

Bokashi Composting

Process:

  • Fermentation: Organic waste is deposited in a Bokashi bucket and coated with Bokashi bran enriched with beneficial bacteria.
  • Sealed Environment: The bucket is sealed to provide an anaerobic environment for fermentation.
  • Fermentation Period: After approximately two weeks, the trash can be buried in soil to complete decomposition.

 

What is Solar Composting?

Solar composting technology employs solar energy to power composting machines, which turn organic waste into nutrient-dense compost. Unlike traditional composting, which frequently relies on manual labor or fossil fuel-powered machinery, solar composting uses renewable energy, making it a more sustainable and efficient process.

Solar Composting Techniques

Know More:- Solar-Powered Home & Commercial Use Composting Machine

How Solar Composting Works

Collection and Sorting:

Organic garbage is collected and sifted to remove all non-compostable materials. This guarantees that the composting process is efficient and that the finished compost is of good quality.

Solar-Powered Processing:

Solar panels mounted on or near the composting unit collect sunshine and convert it to electricity. This electricity runs the composting machine, which shreds and aerates the organic waste, speeding up the decomposition process.

Temperature and Moisture Control:

Advanced solar composting systems use sensors to optimize microbial activity by controlling temperature and moisture levels. Maintaining optimal conditions promotes speedy and effective decomposition, resulting in high-quality compost.

Compost Maturation:

Beneficial bacteria break down the processed organic waste as it matures. The maturing phase guarantees that the compost is nutrient-dense and suitable for use in gardens, farms, and landscaping projects.

 

Benefits of Solar Composting Techniques over Traditional Composting Methods:

Benefits of Composting 
Sr.no.
Solar Composting Techniques
Traditional Composting Methods
Environmental Impact 1. Diminished Carbon Footprint High Emissions 
2. Conservation Of Natural Resources Resources Intensive
Cost Efficiency  1. Reduced Long-term Costs Increased Operational Expenditure
2. Energy Independence Dependency on Energy Markets
Operational Efficiency 1. Consistent Compost Production Intermittent Operation
2. Low Maintenance Increased Maintenaces Needs
Health & Safety 1. Decreased Emissions  Increased Emissions
2. Lower Fire Risk Increased Fire Risk
Quality of Compost  1. Advanced Features Variable Quality
2. Faster Processing Slower Processing

1. Environmental Impact:

Solar Composting:
  • Diminished Carbon Footprint: Composting machines driven by solar energy rely on renewable energy sources, resulting in a notable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Conservation of Natural Resources: These systems reduce dependency on non-renewable resources by using solar energy, which helps to create a more sustainable ecosystem.
Traditional Methods:
  • High Emissions: Because conventional composting techniques frequently rely on fossil fuels or electricity, they have a higher carbon emission rate.
  • Resource-intensive: These techniques demand large energy inputs, which accelerates environmental degradation and depletes non-renewable resources.

 

2. Cost Efficiency:

Solar Composting:
  • Reduced Long-Term Costs: By doing away with energy expenditures, solar composting systems save money over time, even though they need a larger initial investment.
  • Energy Independence: The steady operating expenses of solar composting systems result from their immunity to shifting energy prices.
Traditional Methods:
  • Increased Operational expenditures: Over time, traditional composting becomes more expensive due to ongoing energy expenditures associated with fuel or electricity.
  • Dependency on Energy Markets: The profitability of these strategies is impacted by increases in energy prices as well as interruptions in supply.

 

3. Operational Efficiency:

Solar Composting:
  • Consistent Compost Production: Solar composting machines with battery storage have the ability to run continuously, guaranteeing a steady output of compost.
  • Low Maintenance: In general, solar systems require less maintenance, which lowers related expenses and downtime.
Traditional Methods:
  • Intermittent Operation: The composting process may experience pauses if it is dependent on outside energy sources.
  • Increased Maintenance Needs: Conventional systems frequently need more regular maintenance, which raises the cost of operating and reduces downtime.

 

4. Health & Safety:

Solar Composting:
  • Decreased Emissions: Solar composting reduces air pollution by employing renewable energy, which improves the environment.
  • Lower Fire Risk: Compared to conventional combustion engines, these technologies pose fewer fire risks.
Traditional Methods:
  • Increased Emissions: Composting driven by fossil fuels can exacerbate health problems and bad air quality.
  • Increased Fire Risk: Combustion engine-based traditional technologies are more likely to overheat and catch fire.

 

5. Quality of Compost:

Solar Composting:
  • Advanced Features: Solar-powered equipment frequently has temperature and moisture control, which makes compost of a higher caliber more quickly.
  • Faster Processing: By quickening the composting process, these systems can produce nutrient-rich compost more quickly.
Traditional Methods:
  • Variable Quality: In the absence of sophisticated controls, compost’s quality can change and occasionally call for further processing.
  • Slower Processing: Compost may take longer to produce using conventional procedures, which would postpone its usability.

 

Future of Solar Composting

Read More:- Future of Composting: Solar Innovations for Sustainable & Organic Waste Management System

Conclusion: Why Solar Composting is the Future?

The advantages of solar composting technology over conventional techniques are evident. Because solar composting reduces emissions and conserves resources, it has major environmental benefits. In terms of economics, it offers energy independence and long-term savings, and in terms of operations, it guarantees consistent, effective production with less maintenance requirements. Because of its advanced processing features, compost has a superior quality and improves health and safety by reducing emissions and fire hazards.

In conclusion, solar composting is the best option for both residential and business applications since it is a progressive, environmentally friendly method of handling organic waste. In light of our ongoing search for environmentally friendly solutions, solar composting stands out as a game-changing innovation that supports our sustainability objectives.

The Alarming Impact of E-waste on Our Environment and Health.

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Impact of E-waste

The Environmental Impact of E-waste: Causes and Effects.

Impact of E-waste
in this blog post , here Explained what is E-waste & How to recycle E- Waste?

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a growing environmental concern around the world. The improper disposal of e-waste can lead to severe environmental pollution, health hazards, and resource depletion. E-waste contains hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium that can seep into the soil, air, and water, posing serious risks to humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. Additionally, e-waste disposal often involves burning, which releases toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. The Impact of E-waste on the environment is significant, and it’s crucial that we take action to address this problem. Proper e-waste management practices, including recycling and upcycling, can help minimize the environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future.

E-waste, also known as Electronic waste, is a growing concern in today’s world. It refers to any electronic device that has reached the end of its useful life and has been discarded, such as computers, televisions, smartphones, and other electronic gadgets. E-waste contains toxic materials that can cause environmental damage and harm human health if not disposed of properly.

The problem with e-waste is that it is often not properly recycled or disposed of, and instead ends up in landfills or is shipped to developing countries where it is burned or dismantled by hand. This can lead to the release of toxic chemicals into the air, soil, and water, and can pose a serious threat to human health.

One of the biggest challenges in dealing with e-waste is the sheer volume of it. As technology advances and new devices are introduced into the marr`ket, older devices become obsolete and are often discarded, leading to a growing pile of e-waste. In addition, many people do not know how to properly dispose of their electronic devices, leading to even more waste.

To address this issue, there are a few steps that can be taken. First, consumers can try to reduce their e-waste by keeping their devices for as long as possible, repairing them when possible, and recycling them when they are no longer needed. Many cities and municipalities have e-waste recycling programs in place, and there are also private companies that specialize in e-waste recycling.

Second, manufacturers can take steps to reduce the amount of e-waste that is produced by designing products that are more easily repairable and recyclable. This could include using modular designs that allow individual components to be replaced, as well as designing products with materials that are easier to recycle.

Finally, governments can play a role in addressing the issue of e-waste by implementing policies and regulations to encourage proper disposal and recycling of electronic devices. This could include establishing e-waste recycling programs, setting standards for the design and production of electronic devices, and providing incentives for companies that engage in responsible e-waste management.

Also Read: What is E-Waste and what is  E waste impact on Urban India

In today’s era of technology, the use of electronic devices has become an integral part of our lives. However, with the increasing use of electronic devices, the generation of electronic waste, also known as e-waste, has become a significant concern.

E-waste refers to any electronic device or equipment that is no longer in use or has become obsolete. These devices may include computers, mobile phones, printers, television sets, and other electronic equipment. Due to their toxic and non-biodegradable nature, e-waste has become a major environmental concern.

The improper disposal of e-waste can cause severe harm to the environment and human health. The hazardous materials used in electronic devices, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, can leach into the soil and water, contaminating the environment. The burning of e-waste can release toxic fumes that can lead to air pollution and cause respiratory problems.

To address the issue of e-waste, many countries have implemented regulations and guidelines for its disposal. In India, the government has introduced the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016, which mandates that e-waste should be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

One of the most effective ways to manage e-waste is through recycling. Recycling electronic devices can help in the recovery of valuable resources such as copper, gold, and silver, which can be reused in the production of new electronic devices. Recycling also helps in reducing the amount of e-waste that ends up in landfills, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

To promote e-waste recycling, many companies have set up e-waste recycling centers. These centers collect and recycle electronic devices, ensuring that they are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Some companies also offer incentives for the recycling of electronic devices, encouraging people to dispose of their e-waste responsibly.

Apart from recycling, reducing the generation of e-waste is also important. This can be done by using electronic devices for longer periods and disposing of them only when they are no longer usable. Consumers can also opt for eco-friendly electronic devices that are designed to minimize the environmental impact.

In conclusion, e-waste is a major environmental concern that requires immediate attention. By promoting responsible e-waste management practices such as recycling and reducing the generation of e-waste, we can minimize the environmental impact and protect our planet for future generations.

The world generates about 50 million tonnes of e-waste each year, and only a fraction of it is recycled. Most e-waste ends up in landfills or is incinerated, which can release hazardous chemicals into the environment. The hazardous substances in e-waste, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, can pollute the air, soil, and water, and pose a significant threat to the environment and human health.

Recycling e-waste is an effective way to minimize the environmental impact of these discarded items. E-waste recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and minimizes the need to extract new resources for producing new electronics. It also helps to recover valuable materials such as gold, silver, and copper from old electronics that can be used to make new products.

However, e-waste recycling comes with its own set of challenges. Many electronic devices are designed to be difficult to recycle, and the recycling process can be complicated and expensive. Moreover, e-waste is often exported to developing countries, where it is recycled in unregulated and unsafe conditions, posing a threat to workers’ health and the environment.

To tackle the issue of e-waste, it is crucial to create awareness among people about the importance of proper disposal and recycling of electronic waste. Governments can also play a significant role by implementing policies and regulations to promote the proper disposal of e-waste and to hold companies accountable for the proper disposal of their products.

Individuals can also take steps to reduce their e-waste by:

  1. Buying only what they need and using electronic devices for as long as possible
  2. Donating or selling old electronic devices that are still in working condition
  3. Choosing electronics that are easy to repair and upgrade
  4. Finding reputable e-waste recyclers in their area and ensuring that their electronic devices are recycled properly.

Recycle E-Waste:

The recycling of e-waste involves the extraction of valuable metals, such as gold, silver, and copper, from electronic devices. By doing so, the metals can be reused, and fewer new resources need to be mined from the earth.

The process of recycling e-waste begins by collecting the devices. Many companies and organizations provide e-waste collection services to make it easy for individuals to dispose of their devices in an environmentally responsible manner. Once collected, the devices are transported to recycling centers where they are sorted by type and disassembled.

During the disassembly process, the components are separated and sorted based on their material composition. The valuable metals are then extracted, and the remaining materials are properly disposed of. The extracted metals are then purified and sent to manufacturers who can reuse them in the production of new electronic devices.

Recycling e-waste has several benefits, including reducing the amount of waste in landfills, conserving natural resources, and preventing the release of toxic materials into the environment. also to know more on Wikipedia: Electronics waste.

In conclusion, e-waste is a growing problem that requires action from all stakeholders – consumers, manufacturers, and governments – to address. By taking steps to reduce the amount of e-waste that is produced, properly disposing of and recycling electronic devices, and designing products that are more easily recyclable, we can help reduce the environmental impact of electronic devices and protect human health.

To know more visit: klimrus

E waste and E waste impact on Urban India

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E 2Bwaste Guidebest Compost Techniques.

What is E-Waste and what is  E waste impact on Urban India

E waste impact on Urban India

E 2Bwaste Guidebest Compost Techniques.

E waste or simply electronic waste is the refuse that is basically a term for electronic products that have become unwanted, non working or in some cases obsolete and have reached the end of their useful life. Because of technological advances many electronic products become obsolete in a few years. E.g- Floppy disc, VCR’s and now recently DVD players etc. E waste is created from anything electronic : Computers, TV’s, monitors,Cell phones, VCR’s CD players etc. The recent surge in telecommunication and advent of smartphones and computers have impacted the digital divide in India to a considerable extent and has thus resulted in high electronic gadget penetration across a plethora of households in India (More than a billion mobile phone users).

Why is E waste management important ?

– Rich source of Raw material – Metals such as Gold, Silver, Palladium, Lead etc are generally found in Printed Circuit boards (PCBs) which can be extracted.

– Toxic materials in E waste – E waste also comprises of Lead, chromium , mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals which if not treated properly could lead to pollution of the environment.

E waste management – Process

The below flowchart explains the process of E waste management.

E waste

Global Scenario of E waste

Quantity of E-waste generated and the content of toxic and valuable materials, it has become an emerging problem throughout the world. In 1994, it was estimated that approximately 20 million that is about 7 million tons of PCs became obsolete. In 2010 this figure has increased to over 150 million PCs. 2 The exponential growth in production, falling prices , coupled with rapid advancements in technology making old technology obsolete within few years make the situation even more dire. In the United States about 80 million communication devices were sold (2003) which grew to 152 million in 2008 which means a growth of about 90% within 5 years. In the European Union (EU), the total units of electronic devices

2 “Electronic waste – an emerging threat to the environment of urban India.” placed on the market in 2009 were more than 3.8 billion units, including 265 million computers, roughly 245 million in home consumer electronics, and 197 million consumer appliances. In China, approximately 20 million refrigerators and more than 48 million TVs were sold in 2001, and nearly 40 million PCs were sold in 2009. Meanwhile there is also the problem of dumping E waste in developing 3 countries.

Indian Scenario of E waste.

India produces about 18.5 lakh MT every year. The Indian IT industry is one of the major drivers for the rapid Indian economic growth in last couple decades. The consumer sector in India is also becoming a huge market for electronic devices as such devices had contributed to the benefit of comfort, health security and nowadays even as a financial tool. To give an example the 2005 calculations of Country Level WEEE(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) assessment study by IRGSSA (2005) shows 146,180 tonnes of e waste. In the year 2016 almost a decade later the all India WEEE level is at 18.5 lakh tonnes. The e waste generated has increased exponentially by 8 times in a short span of time.The graph below shows the generation of E waste in some of the Indian Cities year wise (2016).

3 “Electronic waste – an emerging threat to the environment of urban India.

e 2Bwaste 2Bblog1 Guidebest Compost Techniques.

4 “India to sit on e-waste pile of 30 lakhs MT with … – Assocham India.

e 2Bwaste 2Bblog Guidebest Compost Techniques.

The following is the composition of Indian E waste.

 

e 2Bawaste 2Bblog Guidebest Compost Techniques.

 

India’s efficiency of E waste treatment out of the total waste generated is only at 1.5%. This is majorly due to poor infrastructure, legislation framework which causes a waste of already diminishing natural resources and irreversible damage to environment and people who are working in this industry. A major chunk of the labour used in this sector is child labour. In India, about 4-5 lakhs child labours between the age group of 10-15 are observed to be engaged in various e-waste (electronic waste) activities, without adequate protection and safeguards in various yards and recycling workshops.5 In India most of the e waste management comes under the informal sector which results in lack of safety gear and safety measures when it comes to handling of such waste. This results in various contamination of the human bodies and lead to diseases as shown in the table below.

5 “India`s e-waste growing at 30% per annum … – Assocham India.blog 2Bewaste2 Guidebest Compost Techniques.

 

 

As more than 50 % of the labour employed are children (from 10- 15 years of age) especially in Urban areas, it results in endangering the life of young children thus affecting Urban health.

E waste Mitigation strategies.

Clearly the current state of E waste recycling and mitigation requires massive overhaul and upgradation in order to improve efficiency. The major roadblocks for E waste mitigation in India are.

– Due to informal nature, there is an inherent lack of data on E waste essential for policy analysis.

– Only a fraction of E waste which is estimated at 10% manage to find it’s way back to the recyclers due to absence of essential take back scheme for consumers.

– The lack of formal E waste recycling plants in India which also adheres to safety norms results in dependence on E waste recycling in informal settings which can pose challenges to health care and environment.

Waste management strategies for urban sustainability.

– There is no doubt that proper formal sector of E waste recycling can create employment generate resources and set up an industry that could lead to proper disposal of waste.

– It is high time the manufactures, consumers, regulators, municipal authorities, state governments, and policy makers take up the matter seriously so as to ensure that the urban city is not affected.

– Improvement in collection and recycling centers.

– Improvements in litigation and policy structure.

– Capacity Building, training and awareness programmes. Improvements in Collection and Recycling Structures. Many disposed of machines contain usable parts which could be rescued and joined with other utilised hardware to make a working unit. It is labour intensive work to excavate, examine and test components and afterward reassemble them into finished working machines. Institutional foundations, including e-waste collection, transportation, treatment, stockpiling, recuperation and transfer, should be set up, at national and additionally local levels for the optimal utilization of the e waste centers. These offices ought to be endorsed by the regulatory authority and if required fortified with adequate incentives. Foundation of e- waste gathering, trade and recycling ought to be empowered in association with governments, NGOs and manufacturers. Improvements in litigation and policy structure. Extended producer responsibility(EPR) is an ecological strategy approach in which a manufacturer’s obligation regarding an item is extended out to the post phase of the item’s life cycle, including its last disposal. The more greater the capacity of the actor to impact the ecological effects of the product framework, the greater the share of responsibility for addressing those impacts should be. Such actors are the buyers, the providers, and the item makers. Buyers can influence the environmental effects of items in various ways: by means of procurement decisions (picking earth neighbourly items), by means of support and the environmentally friendly operation of items, and by means of cautious transfer (e.g., isolated transfer of apparatuses for recycling). Manufacturers can diminish the life-cycle ecological effects of their items through their impact on product design, material choices, manufacturing processes, product delivery, and product system support. The framework configuration should be with the end goal that there are balanced checks and balance, particularly to avoid free riders .There should also be adequate implementation of laws just to make sure whether or not the compliance are met. Manufacturers should entice customers to exchange the old products through buyback mechanism. Also electronic items should have markings that could denote the levels of toxicity of E waste in India. This will enable easy identification of the products that could lead to an improved way of segregation.

Conclusion:

Solid waste Management , which is as of now a mammoth undertaking in India, is having additional problems by the intrusion of e-waste, especially PC’s . There exists a critical requirement for an itemized evaluation of the present and future situation including measurement, attributes, existing disposal practices, environmental effect and so forth. Institutional frameworks, including e-waste accumulation, transportation, treatment, stockpiling, recuperation and disposal, should be set up, at national as well as local levels for the optimal utilization of E-waste centers. Foundation of e-waste accumulation, trade and recycling focuses ought to be supported in organization with private businesses and manufacturers. management of e-wastes. Establishment of e-waste collection, exchange and recycling centers should be encouraged in partnership with private entrepreneurs and manufacturers.