Know how protect your health and the environment by dispose of your e-waste safely.
This growing stream of e-waste contains valuable resources such as gold, silver, palladium, platinum, cobalt and copper, as well as other resources such as iron and aluminium. The informal scavenging of e-waste in uncontrolled dumping sites has become a source of income for many people.
The informal processing of e-waste exposes workers to a range of hazardous compounds, including heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium, as well as cadmium and other toxic by-products, through open burning, heating and acid leaching (using cyanide, nitric acid or mercury) to extract precious metals.
Direct contact with these harmful materials or exposure to toxic fumes can lead to health problems such as skin irritation, respiratory issues, and even cancer. In addition, recycling activities such as open burning or dismantling of electrical equipment carry an increased risk of impact on human health and the environment.
Exposure routes into the human body
INGESTION
of contaminated food, liquids, breast milk, soil and dust, including from dust-contaminated
objects and surface
INHALATION
of aerosol gases and particles, including particulate matter from open burning
SKIN CONTACT
with corrosive substances and other chemicals
Negative Impacts
Drinking-water, crops, livestock and aquatic animals, crops, such as rice, are grown in areas where informal e-waste recycling occurs are impacted. Seepage water from e-waste recycling and chemicals such as acid and cyanide used during the recycling process can contaminate the surroundings. Further, the ingestion of household dust and contaminated soil also poses a risk, especially for children.
Inhalation is a critical route of exposure to e-waste pollutants that are burned, heated or subjected to chemical reactions. These include particulate matter, PAHs, dioxins, furans, PCBs and brominated flame, retardants released from the burning of e-waste materials. Children are at greater risk from inhalation because of their higher breathing rate than adults.
Dispose right in Simple Steps
The Disposal Process
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Collection
Bring your e-waste to a collection centre or hand over to a registered collector.
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Transportation
A licenced agencies will ensure safe handling and transportation.
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Processing
Training staff will safely dismantle the received e-waste following standard procedures
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Recycling
Material recovery is ensured at specialised recycling facilities where pollution is minimised.