Recent Developments in Management of Electrical and Electronic Waste with Focus on Developing Countries

Technological innovations give improved performance at reduced costs for electrical and electronic equipments, generating waste. Combined with the profit driven production and marketing policies adopted globally by manufacturers, the world today is facing a huge challenge in sustainable management of the electrical and electronic waste. The dense population in the developing countries, along with dumping of the electronic wastes by the developed nations, aggravates the problem. Research brings out the various adverse effects of the incorrect and irresponsible disposal of electronic waste on the ecology, environment, and human lives. Research also brings forth innovative means such as bioleaching and polymer concrete, for the handling of the various hazardous elements present in such waste. Integrated waste management with strict enforcement of the environmental legislations and stipulations would be required for the world, especially for the developing countries. In this article, various such aspects of sustainable management of electrical and electronic waste are discussed.

Keywords: Electrical Waste; Electronic Waste; Waste Management; Landfill; Sustainability; Developing Country