An Integrated Approach for Electronic Waste Management—Overview of Sources of Generation, Toxicological Effects, Assessment, Governance, and Mitigation Approaches

Abhishek Nandan (), Albin C. Suresh, Parth Saole, S. Amulya Jeevanasai, Ramprasad Chandrasekaran, Lucas Meili, Nur Izyan Wan Azelee and Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian ()
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Abhishek Nandan: Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun 248007, India
Albin C. Suresh: Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun 248007, India
Parth Saole: Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun 248007, India
S. Amulya Jeevanasai: Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun 248007, India
Ramprasad Chandrasekaran: School of Civil Engineering, Centre for Advanced Research in Environment (CARE), SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur 613401, India
Lucas Meili: Laboratory of Processes, Center of Technology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió 57072-900, AL, Brazil
Nur Izyan Wan Azelee: Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia
Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian: Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University—AP, Amaravati 522240, India

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 24, 1-19

Abstract: Electronic waste (e-waste) management has become a significant challenge in recent years due to the increasing consumption of electronic devices and their improper disposal. Effective e-waste management requires a comprehensive approach that considers the environmental, economic, and social impacts of e-waste. This comprehensive review provides a critical assessment of e-waste management procedures, encompassing the stages of collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal. Emphasising the significance of embracing sustainable approaches like reusing, repairing, and recycling, the review underscores their pivotal role in mitigating the adverse environmental and human health effects of e-waste. This review provides an overview of e-waste management concerns specifically in India from its collection to the end cycle including toxicological, environmental, and human impacts and a graphical analysis of current and future e-waste trends. It emphasises the need to effectively enforce regulations and establish extended producer responsibility (EPR) to promote sustainable e-waste management practices. Additionally, the review delves into the complexities surrounding e-waste management, such as insufficient infrastructure, resource and funding constraints, and a dearth of awareness among stakeholders. It strongly underscores the necessity for a concerted endeavour involving governments, industries, and communities to tackle these obstacles and advance the cause of efficient e-waste management practices. This paper is valuable to the scientific community as it offers a thorough assessment of e-waste management, focusing on environmental, economic, and social impacts. It emphasises sustainable practices and regulatory measures, providing actionable insights to address e-waste challenges. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of e-waste management and highlights the importance of adopting sustainable practices to address the negative impacts of e-waste on the environment, human health, and the economy.

Keywords: electronic waste; occupational safety; e-waste toxicity; e-waste management; extended producer responsibility (EPR); sustainable e-waste management practices (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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