Classification of E-waste

E-waste are classified into the following types based on its composition and components:

  1. E-waste composition: The e-waste composition is categorized into 6 types and they are: Ferrous(containing iron in its composition)metals, non-ferrous(don’t contain iron in its composition) metals, plastics, glass, pollutants, and others. Iron is immensely used in the manufacture of electronic equipment and plastic is the second-largest material used in the manufacturing of electronic equipment as its cheap and is present in abundance. Non-ferrous metals like copper, aluminum, gold have significant commercial value in the technical market and are used to make parts of electronics as well as electrical equipment. There are some toxic materials that are also used like lead, cadmium, mercury, etc., in some parts of electronic devices. When these toxic materials exceed their threshold value, then they are regarded as pollutants and harmful for the environment.
  2. E-waste Components: the e-waste components are categorized into several types and they are: Major Appliances, Small Appliances, Computer and Telecommunications Appliances, Lighting Devices, Electrical and electronic tools, Electronic Toys, Medical devices, Monitoring Devices, Vending Machines, etc.

What is E-Waste?What is E-Waste Recycling

E-waste: E-waste or Electronic waste refers to electronic products that are not working, are unwanted, near the end of their life span. Examples of E-waste include Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, fax machines, etc. E-waste is E-waste or electronic waste team means discarded electrical or electronic devices or components. Whenever an electronic or electrical component or device whose working life has expired or been damaged, or is no longer used by people due to technological advancements,  comes under e-waste. As we know, technology changes day by day due to which a large amount of electronic or electrical devices are turning into waste. Some of the common e-waste elements are mobile phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, fans, microwaves, DVD, printers, lamps, etc. E-waste is a serious issue for our environment because it releases harmful toxic chemicals from the metals due to chemical reactions and these toxic chemicals harm our environment. The management of such type of waste is known as E-waste management.

E-waste management is defined as a holistic method of cutting down  E-waste from the earth to prevent its harmful toxicity from deteriorating the earth. It recycles and reuses the e-waste that is no longer needed. 

In this article, we have discussed E-waste, its effect on our environment, how to recycle e-waste, and more.

Let’s get a closer look at its meaning and details.

Table of Content

  • What is E-waste?
  • Effects of E-waste on Environment
  • Classification of E-waste
  • Why is e-waste a problem?
  • How to reduce e waste
  • Method of E-waste Disposal
  • How E-waste results in data theft?
  • How to manage E-waste?

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Effects of E-waste on Environment

When the waste is not disposed properly, it harms the environment and the people living in it. Similarly, if e-waste is not disposed properly,it causes huge damage to the environment and also affects the health of humans living in it. Below are the harmful effects of E-waste:...

Classification of E-waste

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Why is e-waste a problem?

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Method of E-waste Disposal

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How E-waste results in data theft?

Data security is always a major concern but nowadays it is more important due to E-waste. As technology keeps improving our mobile phones, laptops, tablets, computer, and other electronic devices. People are in a rush to buy their latest model or replacing them with their advanced versions. In this rush, they throw away the older versions because they are now trash for them. But for data theft, this trash is a goldmine because these devices contain all the personal or confidential information like bank details, passwords, credit card information, etc. The data theft easily recovers this data from the memory even if the user deletes all the data from the device before throwing or selling them. So it is important when you are throwing or reselling your laptop, computer, smartphone, etc, take them to an experienced recycling firm or expert where the staff or expert truly removes all the data from your system so that after throwing or selling them no one can get your personal data....

How to manage E-waste?

Till now, we have seen how E-waste can be harmful in various ways. Therefore, it becomes very important to manage the E-waste before it becomes out of control. The following are the ways in which we can manage E-waste:...

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