E-Waste Management: Business Insight

Presented by:

Agenda
Introduction Why E-waste is problem? Problems Solutions

Business Insight: CSR

Recommendations

WHAT IS ELECTRONIC WASTE?

Electronic waste, "e-waste"

or "Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment" ("WEEE") is a waste consisting of any broken or unwanted electrical or electronic appliance. It is a point of concern considering that many components of such equipment are considered toxic and are not biodegradable.

Why Is E-Waste A Problem?

Rapid Technology Changes Increased Consumer Electronic Purchases More eWaste More Hazardous Materials Landfilled Increasing Human Health Risks

E-waste: Whats included?

Computers Mobile Phones Air Conditioner

Laptops

Telephone

Irons

Drill Machines

Treadmills

Printers

Unknown Facts @ E-Waste

The amount of e-waste is growing at an estimated 40 million tons each year. By 2020, China will have between 200% and 400% more e-waste than it did in 1997. It is estimated that the US alone exports 80% of its e-waste to developing countries.

Of the total amount of E-waste dumped only 20% of that is recycled.

E-waste represents 2% of America's trash in landfills, but it equals to 70% of overall toxic waste. The extreme amount of lead in electronics alone causes various health issues. Computer processing power doubles roughly every two years so many old computers are being abandoned. Only 15% recycle their computers, which means the other 85% end up in landfills.

Unknown Facts @ E-Waste Contd

E-waste is known to contain a cocktail of poisonous chemicals such as lead and mercury. It contain toxic material such as mercury, lead, cadmium etc US disposed of 2.4 million tons of e-waste in 2010 which is close to 142,000 computers and 416,000 mobiles every day. Obsolete mobile phones, computers, and HDTVs, could rise by as much as 500% over the next decade. E-waste workers suffers from breathing problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. 163 people have died in Ghana in e-waste dumping yard from lead poisoning.

Recycling 1 million cell phones can recover 50lbs of gold, 550 lbs of silver, 20 lbs of palladium, and 20,000 lbs of copper.

How these become E-Waste?

Changes and Advancement in technology Changes in fashion, style, and status

Changing configuration
Attractive offers from manufacturers Small life of equipment

 IT & Telecom Equipments

Large Household Appliances

Small Household Appliances Consumer & Lighting Equipments Electrical & Electronic Tools Toys & Sports Equipment Medical Devices Monitoring & Control Instruments

Why E-Waste A Problem?

Non-bio-degradable

Composed of Hazardous Materials

Products are quickly obsolete and discarded

Electronic products are difficult to recycle.

Discarded electronics are managed badly. Most e-waste goes to Landfills Most recyclers dont recycle , they export

Problems

1.Health Hazards
E-waste pollution--- threat to human health
When these gadgets and devices are disposed of improperly, these hazardous materials have a high risk of polluting the air, contaminating soil, and leaching into water sources. Due to the crude recycling process, many pollutants and heavy metals are released from e-waste,

which easily accumulate in the human body through contaminated air

When e-waste sits in a typical landfill, water flows through these landfill and picks up trace elements from these dangerous minerals. Eventually the contaminated landfill water gets through layers of natural and manufactured landfill liner and other protection. When it reaches natural groundwater, it introduces lethal toxicity. Health risks range from kidney disease and brain damage to genetic mutations.

Effects On Human Health.

Damage to nervous systems, blood systems and kidney. Chronic damage to the brain. Breathing and Asthma problem. DNA damage. Reproductive and developmental problems. Immune system damage. Lung Cancer.

Damage to heart, liver and spleen.

Effects On Environment.
Pollution of Ground-Water. Acidification of soil. Air Pollution. E-Waste accounts for 40 percent of the lead and 75 percent of the heavy metals found in landfills.

2. Illegal shipment to Developing Countries for Disposal

3. Green-Washing

Marketing Gimmick
Misguiding Consumers

Unethical practice in Business

Existing Solutions
In September 2008, WM Recycle America built on this corporate practice by adopting the Basel Action Networks (BAN) Electronics Recyclers Pledge of True Stewardship for dismantling and recycling e-waste in a responsible manner. Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003: Defined certain ambiguities and the systems to recover and recycle e-waste would be administratively regulated beyond the universal waste rules that apply to material handling. The EPA is developing an integrated program that will provide tools and potential solutions at various points in the process to reduce environmental and health risks. Conventions such as Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment (PACE) Solving the E-waste Problem (StEP) Interpol The International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE) North American Commission on Environmental Cooperation (CEC)

Addressing the e-waste issue is one of the biggest challenges in the 21st century

Greenpeace Greener Electronics Guide

Founded by Dorothy and Irving Stowe, Marie and Jim Bohlen, Ben and Dorothy Metcalfe, and Bob Hunter in 1970 on a boat: The Don't Make A Wave Committee The Guide evaluates leading consumer electronics companies based on their commitment and progress in three environmental criteria: Energy and Climate, Greener Products, and Sustainable Operations. Greenpeace interest in IT began in 2005 to address the growing concern of e-waste (piling up of obsolete computers, cell phones, batteries) Indian technology firm Wipro debuted as No. 1 Use renewable energy and advocate for greener energy policies in India Addressing these issues in response to concerns from investors and customers.

E-waste management: Global CSR strategy

CSR initiative to reduce the impact of e-wastes. Best Buy recycles appliances and accepts mail-in mobile phone recycling. Most large companies like Apple, Epson, Dell, Nokia, HP, IBM typically recycle end-of-life products for free or for a small fee, or offer them for reuse. Dell officially banned the export of e-waste to developing countries by its contractors or intermediaries. HP has also updated it global corporate policy to include a similar ban. Nokia India has launched a recycling program for hand-sets regardless of brand.

Our Recommendations
"Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Emphasize Green-designing Use refurbished electronics Accentuate Cloud Computing techniques

Create awareness among consumers to use the electronics responsibly

Businesses can recycle e-waste at lower costs due to the advantage of economies of scale Partner with e-waste recycling plants

Strictly follow the prescribed rules and regulation while handing hazardous electronic wastes
Severe penalties for breach of rules and regulations Strict action against companies encompassing green-washing marketing hypes

Thank you!!!