Article:
Understanding invisible e-waste and its implications on the environment is an emerging concern worldwide. The Brussels-based Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum recently commissioned the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to assess the annual quantities of Invisible E-Waste items. These unnoticed electronic waste materials, due to their appearance or nature, are often overlooked by consumers, making them a significant problem.
What is Invisible E-Waste?
Invisible e-waste refers to electronic waste items that largely evade consumer attention due to their nature or appearance. This often leads to their recyclable potential being overlooked. Many electronic items fall into this category, including cables, e-toys, e-cigarettes, e-bikes, power tools, smoke detectors, USB sticks, wearable health devices, and smart home gadgets.
Definition and Role of the WEEE Forum
The WEEE forum is a global competence centre concerning operational know-how regarding the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). It is a non-profit association of 46 WEEE producer responsibility organizations globally, established in April 2002. By allowing the exchange of best practices and providing access to a robust knowledge base toolbox, it enables its members to enhance their operations and promote the circular economy.
Key Findings of the Study
Approximately one-sixth of the world’s electronic waste, nearly 9 billion kgs annually, remains unnoticed by consumers. Around 35% of this invisible e-waste, nearly 3.2 billion kgs, comes from e-toys like race car sets, electric trains, drones, and biking computers. Every year, an estimated 844 million discarded vaping devices contribute significantly to the invisible e-waste accumulation.
The Economic Significance of Invisible E-Waste
The material value of invisible e-waste amounts to around USD 9.5 billion annually because of components like iron, copper, and gold. These figures show the economic potential if these waste materials are properly recycled and reused.
Global Challenges in E-Waste Management
Despite the economic potential, only a fraction of e-waste is appropriately collected, treated, and recycled globally. In Europe, the reported collection and recycling rate is 55% of all generated e-waste, while elsewhere, it is just over 17%. Mismanagement of e-waste also occurs when surplus gadgets are dumped into landfills, burned, illegally traded, improperly treated or stored in households, primarily due to lack of public awareness.
Environmental Risks of Invisible E-Waste
The improper disposal of invisible e-waste presents a significant environmental risk. Hazardous components like lead, mercury, and cadmium can pollute soil and water if not correctly managed, thereby impacting biodiversity and public health.
Recommendations for Tackling Invisible E-Waste
To address invisible e-waste effectively, there is a need to raise awareness about recycling these valuable materials. The total value of raw materials in all e-waste generated in 2019 was an estimated USD 57 billion, of which USD 9.5 billion is represented by invisible e-waste. It is high time we unlock this recycling potential to meet the demand for materials in sectors like renewable energy, electric mobility, industry, communications, aerospace, and defense.
The State of E-Waste Management in India
In India, the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016, which came into effect in 2017, included over 21 products under its purview, such as Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and other mercury-containing lamps. A vital feature of these rules is the Extended Producer’s Responsibility (EPR), which was first introduced in the E-waste (Management and Handling) Regulations of 2010, under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986. In addition, the Government of India has notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, mainly aimed at digitizing the e-waste management process and enhancing visibility while restricting the use of hazardous substances adversely affecting human health and the environment. Lastly, a Deposit Refund Scheme has been introduced to incentivize safe disposal of electronic equipment.
To conclude, invisible e-waste represents a significant challenge for waste management and environmental preservation. As such, there is an urgent need to raise awareness about recycling these often overlooked items, thereby promoting a more sustainable pathway towards effective e-waste management.
