Electronic Waste or e-waste refers to old electronic items which are no more of relevant use. These electronic appliances are; personal computers, mobile phones, DVD players, laptops, TVs, mp3 players etc. Most of the people perceive e-waste in terms of only IT products but in reality all the electronic products which have completed their life cycle, are considered as e-waste. In fact, e-waste covers a lot of electronic equipments including household appliances like, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, toasters, dryers, Refrigerators, irons, air-conditioners, coffee machines, information technology items like, fax machines, printers, telephones, PCs etc.
Other major sources of e-waste are; equipments like sodium lamps, fluorescent tubes, VCR/DVD/CD players, radios, drills, lawn mowers, electric saws, sewing machines, coin slot machines, surveillance equipments, electric train sets etc. The list is truly exhaustive. In broader sense, these waste products are called WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
These electronic equipments are manufactured using numerous toxic contents and harmful components. These substances severely affect humans and environment in general. Awareness of these harmful substances is still low among general public. It would come as surprise to many people knowing that, Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) which are an essential element of few electronic items, contain carcinogens such as phosphor, lead, barium, and other heavy metals. If not disposed properly, these materials are extremely harmful for humans.
The subject of e-waste has turned out to be a serious environmental issue for many nations. Most of the western countries have started to work in this regard with the help of several rules and regulations. WHO (World Health Organization) has also addressed this issue and has specified guidelines to improve the situation. But most of the third world and developing countries are yet to take concrete steps to address this grave issue which is going to be worst in coming decades.