Computer+Industry+Impact+on+Environment

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Environmental issues related to the production of computer components and supplies.

Environmental issues related to the disposal of obsolete hardware and computer supplies.


 * ARTICLES:**


 * [|E-Waste is killing Ghanaians slowly]**

This article by Emmanuel K. Dogbevi, connotes the possible impacts of e-waste on Ghana and the possibility that e-waste is a cause for the increasing number of diseases in this developing country. The journalist claims no evidences have yet been made available in Ghana, but that the impact of e-waste in reference to that of other countries' could be an indication of the types of consequences that Ghana should be expecting from e-waste. = = = = = = This article by Linda Rosencrance, dicusses the efforts of [|Sony Electronics Inc.] which has lnow aunched a nationwide recycling program to help consumers recycle and dispose of their electronic devices. The author, or rather, the journalist discusses the impacts and developments of this recycling effort and the possible trends that will be overcome in a few years, in order to improve the displacement of electronic and electrical waste.
 * [|Sony launches recycling efforts]**


 * Definition of Electronic Waste**[[image:http://www.jklossner.com/computerworld/images/Ewaste.gif align="right"]]

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 * Electronic waste**, "**e-waste**" or "**Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment**" ("**WEEE**") is a waste type consisting of any broken or unwanted electrical or electronic appliance. It is a point of concern considering that many components of such equipment are considered toxic and are not biodegradable. Electronic waste includes computers, entertainment electronics, mobile phones and other items that have been discarded by their original users.

While there is no generally accepted definition of electronic waste, in most cases electronic waste consists of electronic products that were used for data processing, telecommunications, or entertainment in private households and businesses that are now considered obsolete, broken, or irreparable. = =

= = In 1991 the first electronic waste recycling system was implemented in Switzerland beginning with the collection of refrigerators. Over the years, all other electric and electronic devices were gradually added to the system. Legislation followed in 1998 and since January 2005 it has been possible to return all electronic waste to the sales points and other collection points free of charge. There are two established PROs (Producer Responsibility Organisations): SWICO mainly handling electronic waste and SENS mainly responsible for electrical appliances. The total amount of recycled electronic waste exceeds 10 kg per capita per year. [1][2][3] The European Union is implementing a similar system described in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE 2002/96/EC). The WEEE Directive has been transposed in national laws and become effective. = =

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 * Definition of electronic waste** according to the WEEE directive:[[image:http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/images/hhw_logo_-_clip_art.gif width="422" height="384" align="right"]]
 * Large household appliances (ovens, refrigerators etc.)
 * Small household appliances (toasters, vacuum cleaners etc.)
 * Office & communication (PCs, printers, phones, faxes etc.)
 * Entertainment electronics (TVs, HiFis, portable CD players etc.)
 * Lighting equipment (mainly fluorescent tubes)
 * E-tools (drilling machines, electric lawnmowers etc.)
 * Sports & leisure equipment (electronic toys, training machines etc.)
 * Medical appliances and instruments
 * Surveillance equipment
 * Automatic issuing systems (ticket issuing machines etc.)


 * Problems/Solutions of Electronic Waste**

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According to the US EPA, more than 4.6 million tonnes of e-waste ended up in US landfills in 2000. Toxic chemicals in electronics products can leach into the land over time or are released into the atmosphere, impacting nearby communities and the environment. In many European countries, regulations have been introduced to prevent electronic waste being dumped in landfills due to its hazardous content. However, the practice still continues in many countries. In Hong Kong for example, it is estimated that 10-20 percent of discarded computers go to landfill.


 * [[image:http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/envsrvs/solidwaste/images/electronicp2.gif align="left"]]Incineration:** This releases heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury into the air and ashes. Mercury released into the atmosphere can bioaccumulate in the food chain, particularly in fish - the major route of exposure for the general public. If the products contain PVC plastic, highly toxic dioxins and furans are also released. Brominated flame retardants generate brominated dioxins and furans when e-waste is burned.


 * Reuse:** A good way to increase a product's lifespan. Many old products are exported to developing countries. Although the benefits of reusing electronics in this way are clear, the practice is causing serious problems because the old products are dumped after a short period of use in areas that are unlikely to have hazardous waste facilities.


 * Recycle**: Although recycling can be a good way to reuse the raw materials in a product, the hazardous chemicals in e-waste [[image:http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/envsrvs/solidwaste/images/electronicp1.gif align="left"]]mean that electronics can harm workers in the recycling yards, as well as their neighbouring communities and environment.In developed countries, electronics recycling takes place in purpose-built recycling plants under controlled conditions. In many EU states for example, plastics from e-waste are not recycled to avoid brominated furans and dioxins being released into the atmosphere. In developing countries however, there are no such controls. Recycling is done by hand in scrap yards, often by children.


 * Export:** E-waste is routinely exported by developed countries to developing ones, often in violation of the international law.[[image:http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/envsrvs/solidwaste/images/elecpilep.jpg align="right"]] Inspections of 18 European seaports in 2005 found as much as 47 percent of waste destined for export, including e-waste, was illegal. In the UK alone, at least 23,000 metric tonnes of undeclared or 'grey' market electronic waste was illegally shipped in 2003 to the Far East, India, Africa and China. In the US, it is estimated that 50-80 percent of the waste collected for recycling is being exported in this way. This practice is legal because the US has not ratified the Basel Convention.


 * Trends of Electronic Waste**

A typical electronic waste recycling plant as found in some industrialized countries combines the best of dismantling for component recovery with increased capacity to process large amounts of electronic waste in a cost effective-manner.

Material is fed into a hopper, which travels up a conveyor and is dropped into the mechanical separator, which is followed by a number of screening and granulating machines. The entire recycling machinery is enclosed and employs a dust collection system.

The [|European Union], [|South Korea], [|Japan] and [|Taiwan] have already demanded that sellers and manufacturers of electronics be responsible for recycling 75% of them.Many Asian countries have legislated, or will do so, for electronic waste recycling


 * Videos**

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