ABSTRACT

E-waste, also known as electronic waste or electrical waste, has been defined as “Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment that is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to function". This chapter discusses various topics that are important for addressing the e-waste problem. This includes the disposal and recycling techniques of different regions throughout the world, the overall occupational and environmental hazards of e-waste, laws and regulations pertaining to the topic, and recommendations that can be put in place to properly handle the e-waste crisis. North America typically uses three basic e-waste processes: disposal, recycling, and donation. The main method of handling e-waste in North America is disposal, more specifically landfilling. In Eastern Asia, the main method for e-waste processing is recycling. The massive amounts of e-waste created, and the lack of comprehensive environmental or occupational regulations regarding disposal, have led to significant exposures of hazardous materials to both the environment and workers.