Is e-waste bad and why?

Answer 1

Whether e-waste is 'bad' depends entirely on how it is dealt with.

A great amount of reusable materials can be recovered from WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) if it is recycled properly i.e. through a registered recycler. It also means that hazardous materials are disposed of in a safe manner as well as any materials which cannot be reused.

WEEE can have negative effects on the environment if it is not dealt with properly and sent to landfill. This results in a waste of useful materials, possible contamination to the surrounding environment from hazardous materials as well as overloading the landfill sites.

Unfortunately there are also a large number of occasions when WEEE is illegally labelled as 'working equipment' and sent abroad (often to developing countries) where it is 'recycled' by untrained and unprotected workers. These workers strip plastics and coverings from ewaste by burning over open fires or dipping into acid baths, to expose materials which can be sold. The effects on the workers and the surrounding environment from the leaked hazardous materials is devastating. The Chinese town of Guiyu and Agbogbloshie in Ghana are shocking examples.

Further information can be found in 'related links'.