ABSTRACT
Rapid globalization and technological innovation has created a consumption conundrum: increasing production and consumption of goods and services has the potential to improve worldwide economic development and quality of life, but often at the cost of overextending natural resources and damaging global ecosystems. A product life cycle is traditionally thought of as a linear system. The first step in producing consumer electronics is resource extraction, wherein raw materials and minerals are extracted from nature, and then processed, refined, transformed, or combined with other materials to create the building blocks of products. In the manufacturing stage, raw materials are combined with energy, water, and other materials to form components and to assemble final products. Due to the rapidly shortening product innovation cycles, devices are being replaced at an increasing pace. Formal e-waste management encompasses recycling, reuse, and disposal activities that take place within the bounds of applicable laws and treatment systems to minimize emissions of harmful chemicals and protect human health.
