Electronic Waste Problem

Electronic Waste Problem

Electronic waste or e-waste are used electronic components that are not of use anymore or have reached their natural expiry. The disposal of such waste is both capital-intensive and time-consuming due to the quantity of electronic devices used globally. It has been recorded that there are more cellular devices than there are people, and the average cell phone has a lifespan of approximately one year. As a result, the amount of electronic waste being created on an annual basis is large. It is estimated that the total amount of electronic waste stands at over 53.6 tonnes. After the global COVID-19 pandemic, the amount of reliance on electronic devices went up, and as a result, e-waste is expected to increase in the future. The most effective method of e-waste management is recycling. However, some electronic components can not be recycled, and others are too expensive to be recycled (Kang & Schoenung, 2018). It is the responsibility of every consumer to dispose of any electronic device in their ownership properly.

One of the most dangerous aspects of electronic waste is that if not properly handled. Electronic devices such as CRT monitors contain hazardous levels of heavy metals such as lead. Therefore, improper disposal of electronic waste can lead to poisoning or environmental damage. Subsequently, the burning of electronic waste can release toxic fumes into the air, which is a hazard for both livestock and human health. Electronic waste can also reduce the fertility of soils affecting the global food supply and affecting farmers’ source of income (Abdelbasir et al. 2018).

Manufacturers of electronic devices can help fight the problem of electronic waste. Manufacturers can decide on a policy that encourages them to use recyclable components during the manufacturing process. Manufacturers can also use durable materials in the making of electronics; this way, consumers do not keep purchasing new products. It is also the responsibility of manufacturers to provide instructions on how to dispose of their electronics and the dangers it pose if not correctly disposed of. Manufacturers can also use components that can easily be opened into smaller parts for easier storage and recycling.

Governments are also another major stakeholder in the proper management of electronic waste. The introduction of policies and laws that guide the use of harmful material in the manufacture of electronics can go a long way in solving the e-waste problem. Governments can also provide requirements such as land for landfills and the subsidization of equipment used in the recycling of electronic components. Governments can also offer tax incentives to companies that recycle and companies that use recyclable materials in manufacturing (Park et al., 2019).

References

Abdelbasir, S. M., Hassan, S. S., Kamel, A. H., & El-Nasr, R. S. (2018). Status of electronic waste recycling techniques: a review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25(17), 16533-16547.

Hsu, E., Barmak, K., West, A. C., & Park, A. H. A. (2019). Advancements in the treatment and processing of electronic waste with sustainability: a review of metal extraction and recovery technologies. Green chemistry, 21(5), 919-936.

Kang, H. Y., & Schoenung, J. M. (2018). Electronic waste recycling: A review of US infrastructure and technology options. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 45(4), 368-400.

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For this case study response, you need to analyze and study the subject presented below and compose an essay response answering the questions posed. Your writing should concentrate on the development of specific events, issues, or conditions of the subject and their relationships. For this activity, you are being asked to write a complete essay, not just an outline as was done in Module 3.

Please proceed to the Case Study Questions.

Case Study Questions
Define the e-waste problem.
What is happening and why is this an issue?
What can manufacturers do to improve the situation (raw materials, by-products, hazardous materials, health, recycling, refuse, etc.)?

The topic addresses how products are manufactured as well as the disposal of our technology devices and gadgets. How companies address these issues may impact your purchasing decisions. To begin, view the following video.

How E-Waste is Recycled (ERAU – 6:35)

Next, read the following:

Sustainable Electronics – 10 Facts You Need to Know (Beeco) (Links to an external site.)
10 Things You Should Know About Recycling Electronics (Family Handyman) (Links to an external site.)
Please proceed to the Guidelines section.

Guidelines
Formatting and content:

Save this APA Example Template (DOCX) Download APA Example Template (DOCX)to your computer and use it for your essay.
The length of the response should be 4-5 paragraphs (about 400 words or up to 1.5 pages maximum). Do not write more than 1.5 pages of text.
Use 1″ margins.
Use Times New Roman, 12 pt. font.
Double line space.
Indent the first line of each new paragraph by .5″.
One space follows the closing punctuation of each sentence.
Cite a minimum of two references in the body of the essay using the APA Style:

When we refer to ideas or use quotes from sources, it is necessary to cite the source. Basically, this involves providing the author’s last name and date at the end of the sentence. See APA formatting (ERAU). (Links to an external site.)
Not sure if you need to cite a source? Refer to the Plagiarism Infographic in Module 3.
Longer quotes need to be avoided in this short 1.5-page paper. Use your words to make your points.
Strongly recommended: Before turning in your essay, double-check your paper for originality and citation infringement. Your file submission will be screened for originality and plagiarism.
Listing references:

When you cite a reference, it must be listed on your references page, which is a new page added after the last page of the essay. Also, all listed references need to have at least one in-text citation in the body of the paper.
Follow current APA formatting (ERAU). (Links to an external site.)
Citation Machine – (Links to an external site.) is an online resource generator.
Example reference from a website. Note the use of double line spacing and the indent of the hanging line by .5″:
Reference example from an APA paper References list.

Interpreting a Turnitin Similarity Report Transcript (PDF) Download Interpreting a Turnitin Similarity Report Transcript (PDF)

Please proceed to the Case Study Questions.

Case Study Questions
Define the e-waste problem.
What is happening and why is this an issue?
What can manufacturers do to improve the situation (raw materials, by-products, hazardous materials, health, recycling, refuse, etc.)?