What is electronic waste?Electronic waste, or e-waste, is solid waste composed of any number of electronic devices or equipment, including: computers, TVs, wires, cell phones, lamps, and many others (1). Click here for a complete list.
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Why is it a problem?E-waste contains numerous toxicants, such as heavy metals and PCBs, that pose a threat to the environment and human health (1). View a list of chemicals found in e-waste here.
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E-Waste Production (2)
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E-Waste Disposal and Export (2)
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E-Waste Exposure in Developing Countries (1)
Open BurningBurning of cables and other wastes to extract heavy metals such as copper and gold
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Manual RecyclingTaking apart or sorting electronic waste by hand, without proper protective equipment
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DumpingDisposing of e-waste near water sources used for drinking and bathing
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