Challenges in electronic waste management practices

The safe and sustainable management of electronic waste (e-waste) generated from devices (e.g., consumer electronics, solar panels) reaching their end-of-use life has become a critical global environmental health challenge. Electronic plastics pose particular challenges. There is minimal domestic demand due to the low market value of mixed plastic content and the presence of brominated (BFR), organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), and heavy metals that have associated health concerns. Recyclers in the West rely on the export market, which is facing an uncertain future and limited disposal options that could result in unsafe human exposure and release into the environment. While improved separation technologies are needed to process waste plastics in closed-loop systems, large piles of plastics waste are accumulating in many regions challenging electronics laws that restrict landfill disposals. Waste-to-energy technologies offer a more environmentally friendly option than relying on fossil fuels–while also addressing the challenge of ever-growing plastic pollution, gas emissions and leaching of hazardous chemicals from informal recycling. However, these technologies could release a mixture of contaminants, causing exposure to multiple substances.  To provide updated information about the scope of the issues and the presence of known and suspected pollutants released from e-waste recycling, we have conducted toxic release studies. In this presentation, the release of hazardous substances through inappropriate and unsafe management practices related to disposal and recycling of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment will be demonstrated.