322
needed for metabolism through aerobic oxidation of reduced sulphur compounds
present (Awasthi et al. 2016).
• Recovery and Recycling – The dismantled parts which are usable or can be used
after minor repairs are set aside for recovery. Rest often using strong acids are
segregated. It has smaller ecological footprint than dumping and burning.
• Refurbishment and Reuse – This constitutes direct secondhand use or use after
slight modification. Judicious implementation of this can considerably reduce
the volume of E-waste generation.
• Environmentally sound management (ESM) is defined as ‘taking all practicable
steps to ensure that used and/or end-of-life products and wastes are managed in
a manner which will protect human health and the environment’. The major designated ESM criteria are risk assessment, prevention and minimization; covering
legal requirements; creating awareness and competency; implementing corrective action; and ensuring transparency (UNEP 2013).
18.13 Seizing Opportunities from Problems
• The main aim has to be to reduce the generation of E-waste through smart manufacturing, careful maintenance and reuse by someone else along the chain till
electronic equipment is functioning and lastly to recycle irreparable
components.
• Firm law enforcement to ensure the transboundary movement of E-waste, taking
legal recourse on illegal handling of hazardous substances along with hefty penalties for the guilty.
• Technical audit and life cycle analysis are recommended before releasing the
electronic consumer product to have an idea about the average longevity of a
product. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) makes the manufacturer
responsible for the entire life cycle of the product and thus has to work for
improved technologies (Lindhqvist 2000). While buying electronic device, the
consumers pay tax which can play a role in covering future cost of recycling
which is termed as advanced recycling fee (Columbia University 2006).
• Effective exchange schemes like take-back or buy-back program whereby old
electronic goods are collected at the end of life and a discount could be given on
new products purchased by the consumer with a sound business model. A sustainable take-back and recycling system has to be established on a fair financial
and economic model, as emphasized in the Step Green Paper authored by
McCann and Wittmann (2015). The two main systems are (a) taxpayer-funded
system (this option would require general tax revenues to be diverted to meet the
costs associated with the take-back system) and (b) polluter’s pay system (where
the polluter is recognized as the person responsible for discarding an end-of-life
(EoL) appliance).
A. Basu
needed for metabolism through aerobic oxidation of reduced sulphur compounds
present (Awasthi et al. 2016).
• Recovery and Recycling – The dismantled parts which are usable or can be used
after minor repairs are set aside for recovery. Rest often using strong acids are
segregated. It has smaller ecological footprint than dumping and burning.
• Refurbishment and Reuse – This constitutes direct secondhand use or use after
slight modification. Judicious implementation of this can considerably reduce
the volume of E-waste generation.
• Environmentally sound management (ESM) is defined as ‘taking all practicable
steps to ensure that used and/or end-of-life products and wastes are managed in
a manner which will protect human health and the environment’. The major designated ESM criteria are risk assessment, prevention and minimization; covering
legal requirements; creating awareness and competency; implementing corrective action; and ensuring transparency (UNEP 2013).
18.13 Seizing Opportunities from Problems
• The main aim has to be to reduce the generation of E-waste through smart manufacturing, careful maintenance and reuse by someone else along the chain till
electronic equipment is functioning and lastly to recycle irreparable
components.
• Firm law enforcement to ensure the transboundary movement of E-waste, taking
legal recourse on illegal handling of hazardous substances along with hefty penalties for the guilty.
• Technical audit and life cycle analysis are recommended before releasing the
electronic consumer product to have an idea about the average longevity of a
product. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) makes the manufacturer
responsible for the entire life cycle of the product and thus has to work for
improved technologies (Lindhqvist 2000). While buying electronic device, the
consumers pay tax which can play a role in covering future cost of recycling
which is termed as advanced recycling fee (Columbia University 2006).
• Effective exchange schemes like take-back or buy-back program whereby old
electronic goods are collected at the end of life and a discount could be given on
new products purchased by the consumer with a sound business model. A sustainable take-back and recycling system has to be established on a fair financial
and economic model, as emphasized in the Step Green Paper authored by
McCann and Wittmann (2015). The two main systems are (a) taxpayer-funded
system (this option would require general tax revenues to be diverted to meet the
costs associated with the take-back system) and (b) polluter’s pay system (where
the polluter is recognized as the person responsible for discarding an end-of-life
(EoL) appliance).
A. Basu