e-Waste

Challenges to clear

• Work through all four cases correctly.
• Answer the burning-cables case correctly.

The task

Electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. Think each case through.

What this lesson covers

• Workers burn discarded cables in the open to recover the copper inside. Why is this so dangerous? Best choice: Burning the plastic insulation releases dioxins and toxic fumes the workers breathe in — PVC and flame retardants produce highly toxic compounds when burned. This is among the most hazardous informal recycling practices there is.
• Old batteries, phones and CFL bulbs are thrown into an ordinary landfill. What is the risk? Best choice: Lead, mercury and cadmium leach into the soil and groundwater — These heavy metals do not break down. They accumulate in the food chain and cause nerve and kidney damage.
• Which of these counts as e-waste? Best choice: Any discarded electrical or electronic item — including bulbs, batteries, fans, TVs and toys with circuits — If it ran on electricity or a battery, it is e-waste, and it should not go in the household bin.
• A household has a broken television to dispose of. What is the responsible course? Best choice: Hand it to an authorised e-waste collection centre or a take-back scheme — Authorised recyclers recover metals safely and dispose of the hazardous fraction properly. Many manufacturers are required to take products back.

Hint

e-Waste is valuable AND hazardous at once. That combination is exactly why it gets recycled unsafely.