Introduction:
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a term for electronic products that have become unwanted, non-working
or obsolete, and have essentially reached the end of their useful life.
As per E-waste Rule 2016, the E waste defined as ‘electrical and electronic equipment, whole or in part
discarded as waste by the consumer or bulk consumer as well as rejects from manufacturing,
refurbishment and repair processes.
E-waste contains many valuable, recoverable materials such as aluminum, copper, gold, silver, plastics,
and ferrous metals. In order to conserve natural resources and the energy needed to produce new
electronic equipment from virgin resources, electronic equipment can be refurbished, reused, and
recycled instead of being land filled.
E-waste also contains toxic and hazardous materials including mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium,
chromium, and chemical flame retardants, which have the potential to leach into our soil and water.
Benefit of recycling of E-waste:
 E-waste contains many valuable, recoverable materials such as aluminum, copper, gold, silver,
plastics, and ferrous metals. In order to conserve natural resources and the energy needed to
produce new electronic equipment from virgin resources, electronic equipment can be
refurbished, reused, and recycled instead of being landfilled.
 E-waste also contains toxic and hazardous materials including mercury, lead, cadmium,
beryllium, chromium, and chemical flame retardants, which have the potential to leach into our
soil and water.
 Protects your surroundings- Safe recycling of outdated electronics promotes sound
management of toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury.
 Conserves natural resources- Recycling recovers valuable materials from old electronics that
can be used to make new products. As a result, we save energy, reduce pollution, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and save resources by extracting fewer raw materials from the earth.
 Helps others - Donating your used electronics benefits your community by passing on ready-touse or refurbished equipment to those who need it.
 Saves landfill space - E-waste is a growing waste stream. By recycling these items, landfill space
is conserved.