An open-access research paper published in the Reviews on Environmental Health journal, details the challenges of e-waste management and the potential prevention/intervention strategies which may prove a more sustainable solution.
E-waste containst highly toxic substances which can be dangerous to human health and the environment, as well as recyclable raw materials.
Many countries also lack the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to deal with a growing volume of e-waste. As a result, the informal sector are often involved in e-waste management. While this can provide economic benefits, informal recycling practices often have wide-spread environmental and human health consequences.
Any sustainable solution to the e-waste problem should incorporate informal recyclers, as well as other stakeholders, while mitigating the negative impacts. This should also incentivise business models, product deisgns and manufacturing techniques which encourage sustainable and efficient recycling.
Read the full report here.
