An Introduction to Electronic Waste

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) or electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide. The rich metallic content of e-waste makes them secondary reservoir of many base, precious, rare earth, and toxic metals. Additionally, several nonmetallic constituents, such as brominated flame retardants, in quantities higher than the permissible limit make them hazardous in nature. Thus, the management, treatment, and resource recovery of e-waste are essential not only for economic development but also to avert environmental pollution. The problem of e-waste generation is more prominent in developed and developing economies. Further, the problem gets compounded by the transboundary movement of e-waste despite the Basel Convention Prohibition (1992). The evaluation of their generation, flow in economy, and composition are essential elements for development and implementation of various eco-friendly recycling approaches, sustainable reprocessing technologies, and sound policies for a sustainable, green, and circular economy. © 2024 by John Wiley & Sons Inc All rights reserved.