146
processes (Directive 2002/96/EC, the WEEE Directive). These guidelines also
include steps for the creation of ‘collection scheme’ for users of ‘electrical and
electronic’ gadgets to deposit their wastes without payment. This is targeted towards
increasing E-waste collection, recycling and/or reuse (Zhang et al. 2015).
Upon the end of life (EoL), the strategy used in managing E-wastes depends on
the following:
• Applicable regulations and policies already in place (e.g. disposal bans, recycling bans)
• Existing infrastructure for handling such materials (e.g. availability of take-back
centres, collection opportunities)
• Consumers’ understanding of and attitudes towards these programs, policies and
opportunities (Townsend 2011)
Apart from government interference and legislation, a lot of non-governmental
bodies and individual groups have been involved in E-waste clean up; however, in
most parts of the world, much success has not been attained (Premalatha et al. 2014).
Funding researches on E-waste management should be encouraged and adequately sponsored by private and government agencies. This will encourage more
researchers to focus on this area, leading to novel ideas and technologies for effective E-waste collection and handling systems (Lu et al. 2015).
To achieve an efficient E-waste handling system, there is the need for active participation of all sectors involved, not just the manufacturers, distributors/suppliers
and end-users but also those who collect, recycle or reuse waste items. This is to
ensure that adequate and economical protocols are applied to equipment management and subsequent E-waste reuse and disposal (Tansel 2017).
8.1.1.2 The Role of Consumers in E-Waste Management
The awareness and behaviour of consumers towards the proper management of
E-wastes are two key factors in any effective E-waste management strategy
(Borthakur and Govind 2017). The socioeconomic profile of consumers, such as
gender, age, income and education level, plays key roles in the behaviour or willingness of the general public to participate in managing E-wastes (Yin et al. 2014).
Consumers of e-products also have a role to play in ameliorating the burden of
E-waste in the environment. Consumers can minimize E-waste accumulation by:
• Using only necessary e-gadgets
• Efficient use of electrical/electronic equipment in order to extend the shelf life
• Purchasing items with very minor or zero E-wastes
• Avoiding addiction and dependency on electrical/electronic gadgets
• Being informed on the long-term negative impact of E-waste on the
environment
• Pro-actively taking measures to achieve and maintain zero E-waste
accumulation
C. O. Onwosi et al.
processes (Directive 2002/96/EC, the WEEE Directive). These guidelines also
include steps for the creation of ‘collection scheme’ for users of ‘electrical and
electronic’ gadgets to deposit their wastes without payment. This is targeted towards
increasing E-waste collection, recycling and/or reuse (Zhang et al. 2015).
Upon the end of life (EoL), the strategy used in managing E-wastes depends on
the following:
• Applicable regulations and policies already in place (e.g. disposal bans, recycling bans)
• Existing infrastructure for handling such materials (e.g. availability of take-back
centres, collection opportunities)
• Consumers’ understanding of and attitudes towards these programs, policies and
opportunities (Townsend 2011)
Apart from government interference and legislation, a lot of non-governmental
bodies and individual groups have been involved in E-waste clean up; however, in
most parts of the world, much success has not been attained (Premalatha et al. 2014).
Funding researches on E-waste management should be encouraged and adequately sponsored by private and government agencies. This will encourage more
researchers to focus on this area, leading to novel ideas and technologies for effective E-waste collection and handling systems (Lu et al. 2015).
To achieve an efficient E-waste handling system, there is the need for active participation of all sectors involved, not just the manufacturers, distributors/suppliers
and end-users but also those who collect, recycle or reuse waste items. This is to
ensure that adequate and economical protocols are applied to equipment management and subsequent E-waste reuse and disposal (Tansel 2017).
8.1.1.2 The Role of Consumers in E-Waste Management
The awareness and behaviour of consumers towards the proper management of
E-wastes are two key factors in any effective E-waste management strategy
(Borthakur and Govind 2017). The socioeconomic profile of consumers, such as
gender, age, income and education level, plays key roles in the behaviour or willingness of the general public to participate in managing E-wastes (Yin et al. 2014).
Consumers of e-products also have a role to play in ameliorating the burden of
E-waste in the environment. Consumers can minimize E-waste accumulation by:
• Using only necessary e-gadgets
• Efficient use of electrical/electronic equipment in order to extend the shelf life
• Purchasing items with very minor or zero E-wastes
• Avoiding addiction and dependency on electrical/electronic gadgets
• Being informed on the long-term negative impact of E-waste on the
environment
• Pro-actively taking measures to achieve and maintain zero E-waste
accumulation
C. O. Onwosi et al.