Tackling Electronic Waste with Circular Economy Approach in the World
摘要
Rapid proliferation of electronic gadgets with the advent of digital age has led to enormous quantity of e-waste or electronic waste on Earth. E-waste which is also known as Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is increasing at very fast rate and is expected to be twofold by 2045. Inappropriate disposal of waste can be detrimental to the environment and can pose health hazard due to its complex composition of hazardous substances. Effective management of e waste is one of the most pressing issues in the world. The circular economy concept emphasizes on maximizing resource extraction from WEEE while minimizing detrimental impacts of WEEE on environment. This Chapter is focused on exploring ways to integrate Circular Economy approaches with management of e waste in developed and developing nations of the world. Further, chapter aims to discuss important rules and regulations focused on minimizing e waste across the world. For example, The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 of India has been incorporated to ensure e-waste collection, environmentally sound disposal and reprocessing by manufacturer under extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy. Similarly, European Union has enacted EU legislation (the RoHS Directive) in 2003 for minimizing usage of hazardous substances in e-wastes. Finally, chapter presents various suggestions to develop legal frameworks for effective integration of e waste with circular economy model in the world.