Tech Waste: Environmental Impact and Management

Abstract

Over the recent years, the global market of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) has grown rapidly, while the products lifespan has become increasingly shorter. The rapid growth of the electronic and IT industry, current user's culture, increasing rates of usage of techno products have led to disastrous environmental consequences. Most of these technologies are ending up in backlash and recycling centres, posing a new environmental challenge in this 21st century. The presence of hazardous and toxic substances in electronic goods has made tech waste a matter of fear and if not properly managed, it can have unfavourable effects on environment. It has been proven that some of the waste contain many cancer-causing agents. This paper provides a review of the tech waste problems and the need for its appropriate management.