E-Waste Causes and Management Using BASEL Convention

Abstract

"E-waste" is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their "useful life. “Electronic waste" may be defined as discarded computers, office electronic equipment, entertainment device electronics, mobile phones, television sets, and refrigerators. "E-wastes are considered dangerous; ascertain components of some electronic products contain materials that are hazardous, depending on their condition and density. This includes used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal. Others are re-usable (working and repairable electronics) and secondary scrap (copper, steel, plastic, etc.) to be "commodities", and reserve the term "waste" for residue or material which is dumped by the buyer rather than recycled, including residue from reuse and recycling operations. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled in an environmentally sound manner so that they are less harmful to the ecosystem. This paper highlights the hazards of e-wastes, the need for its appropriate management and options that can be implemented.