E-Waste: Current Scenario, Risks And Management Approaches

Abstract

The accelerated growth of information and communication technologies, together with increasingly shorter life spans of
electronic products, has resulted in a sharp rise in electronic waste (e-waste) across the globe. Although e-waste is a rich source
of recoverable materials, including valuable precious metals, it also contains toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and
cadmium. When these materials are not properly handled or disposed of, they present serious threats to environmental quality
and human health. This review analyzes the global and regional status of e-waste generation, its environmental and health
consequences, and the prevailing methods used for its management. It discusses sustainable approaches, policy initiatives, and
emerging technological solutions designed to enhance e-waste processing and resource recovery. The volume of e-waste is
expanding rapidly, driven by growing consumer demand for electronic devices and rapid technological obsolescence. Items such
as mobile phones and batteries constitute a significant proportion of this waste stream, particularly in developing nations. In
India, the fast-growing information technology and electronics industries have substantially increased the generation of e-waste,
turning its management into a critical environmental and public health concern. Inadequate disposal methods and the dominance
of informal recycling practices intensify environmental contamination and pose severe occupational health risks. Additionally,
many developing countries encounter further challenges due to the illegal transboundary movement of e-waste, often
misrepresented as second-hand electronic equipment. This review evaluates existing e-waste management systems and identifies
gaps that need to be addressed. It outlines future pathways for sustainable e-waste management, emphasizing the importance of
robust policy enforcement, technological advancements, and increased public awareness. The review covers sources and
composition of e-waste, key facts, harmful impacts, recycling and recovery strategies, Indian and global scenarios, associated
risks, management practices, ongoing challenges, and future prospects.