ABSTRACT
End-of-life electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) has emerged as a major environmental concern in recent years. The short life span, limited repair options, fast-changing technology, and continually evolving demands for better and advanced electronic gadgets are fueling the rapid growth of e-waste across the globe. As per recent estimates, 57.4 million tons (Mt) of e-waste were generated globally in 2021, which is further projected to grow to 74.7 Mt by 2030. Many e-waste components contain numerous chemicals such as toxic metals and persistent organic pollutants, which are harmful to human and ecological health. Thus, effective management of e-waste becomes the need of the hour. This chapter discusses effective means of e-waste management including methods of efficient e-waste recycling, improving policies to prevent the proliferation of e-waste, and improving product design. The initial part of the chapter highlights the recent global trend in e-waste generation, followed by its environmental and human health impact, and provides policies and norms of e-waste management in developed and developing countries. Lastly, possible strategies for the effective management of e-waste in developing countries are discussed.
