How many tons of e-waste was thrown away in 2019?
50 million tonnes
Where is e-waste being dumped?
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, 85 percent of the e-waste dumped in Ghana and other parts of West Africa is produced in Ghana and West Africa. In other words, ending the export of used electronics from the wealthy developed world won’t end the burning in Agbogbloshie.
Where is the largest e-waste site in the world?
Agbogbloshie
Which country is the biggest producer of e-waste?
China
What is the human and environmental impact of e-waste?
Combustion from burning e-waste creates fine particulate matter, which is linked to pulmonary and cardiovascular disease. In this way, toxic chemicals from e-waste enter the “soil-crop-food pathway,” one of the most significant routes for heavy metals’ exposure to humans.
What are the negative effects of e-waste?
As mentioned, electronic waste contains toxic components that are dangerous to human health, such as mercury, lead, cadmium, polybrominated flame retardants, barium and lithium. The negative health effects of these toxins on humans include brain, heart, liver, kidney and skeletal system damage.
Why e-waste is harmful?
Electronics are filled with chemicals and substances that are harmful to human health and the environment, including toxic metals, flame retardants, and persistent organic pollutants. If not recycled, these chemicals can contaminate landfills and enter the water supply through leachate.
What are the most common e-waste items?
The most common hazardous electronic items include LCD desktop monitors, LCD televisions, Plasma Televisions, TVs and computers with Cathode Ray Tubes. E-waste contains hundreds of substances, of which many are toxic. This includes mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, chromium, and flame retardants.
What qualifies as E-waste?
E-waste refers to electronic products nearing the end of their “useful life”, for example, computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled.
What is E-Waste give example?
Although e-waste is a general term, it can be considered to denote items such as TV appliances, computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, white goods – for example, fridges, washing machines, dryers – home entertainment and stereo systems, toys, toasters and kettles.
What is full form of e-waste?
Electronic waste, or e-waste, refers to all items of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by its owner as waste without the intent of re-use (Step Initiative 2014).
What is e-waste management?
(1) E-waste or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) are loosely discarded, surplus, obsolete, broken, electrical or electronic devices. Improper dismantling and processing of e-waste render it perilous to human health and our ecosystem. Therefore, the need of proper e-waste management has been realized.
What is the e-waste problem?
We make a lot of e-waste. When electronics end up in landfills, toxics like lead, mercury, and cadmium leach into the soil and water. The electronic waste problem is huge: More than 48 million tons of e-waste are produced every year.
What is the biggest problem with e-waste?
This e-waste contains hundreds of different materials and toxic substances like lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and flame retardants. After settling in a landfill, the toxic substances seep into the environment, contaminating land, air, and water.
How can we solve the e-waste problem?
Minimizing E-waste is Important:
- Re-evaluate.
- Extend the life of your electronics.
- Buy environmentally friendly electronics.
- Donate used electronics to social programs—and help victims of domestic violence, children safety initiatives, environmental causes, and more.
- Reuse large electronics.