E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, televisions, printers, tablets, and other electrical or electronic equipment. It encompasses both functional and non-functional devices that are no longer needed or have reached the end of their useful life.
Electronic devices contain a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, glass, and hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants. When improperly disposed of, e-waste poses significant environmental and health risks due to the potential release of toxic chemicals and the inefficient use of valuable resources.
E-waste is a growing global concern, driven by rapid technological advancements, shorter product lifecycles, and increasing consumer demand for electronics. Proper management of e-waste involves recycling, refurbishing, and responsibly disposing of these electronic devices to minimize environmental impact and recover valuable resources. Various regulations and standards are in place globally to address the safe handling, recycling, and disposal of e-waste.
