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By: V. Basil Hans and Dr. Manjula Mallya
Professor of Research, Srinivas University, Mangalore.
Associate Professor of Economics, Government Women’s College, Balmatta, Mangalore; Post-Doctoral Research Scholar, Srinivas University.
E-waste is a major environmental and health issue in the digital age. Rapid technical breakthroughs and rising electronic device consumption have increased global e-waste volumes. To reduce environmental risks, recover valuable resources, and promote sustainability, e-waste must be managed and recycled. This article discusses how technology is improving e-waste collection, sorting, and recycling. It shows the possibilities of AI-powered garbage sorting systems, IoT integration for waste stream tracking, and hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy recycling technologies. The essay also highlights public-private partnerships, legal frameworks, and consumer awareness in recycling. E-waste can move toward a circular economy model by using technology to reuse electronic resources, minimizing the tech industry’s environmental impact. This research presents a novel regional E-waste program approach based on a literature assessment of worldwide generation, management, and recycling case studies, local challenges, and stakeholder participation. To increase local E-waste recycling efficiency and enable a cost-effective program layout, sectoral action plans and capacity building are advised. The results imply selective pick-up services and formal sector support. One of the fastest-growing waste sources in industrialized and developing countries is e-waste, which will reach 40 to 50 million metric tons by 2018. Large and small domestic appliances, workplace and telecommunications equipment, consumer goods, and electrical and electronic instruments make up E-waste.
Citation:
Refrences:
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