Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription or Fee Access

Appraisal of the e-Waste Management Generated from Mobile Phones in the Hassan City, Karnataka: The Perspectives of Public Perception, Consumption and Disposal Activities

Harshitha H. K., Suresh B., Sumana Y. B.

Abstract


This study delves into the management of electronic waste (e-waste) stemming from the disposal of personal electronic items and mobile phones, primarily in response to the remarkable surge in the utilization of these devices within the Hassan city populace in recent years. The principal objectives revolved around investigating the existing disposal methods for electronic devices including mobile phones and collecting fundamental data concerning their disposal practices within the geographical confines of Hassan city of Karnataka State. Additionally, an endeavor was undertaken to gauge the level of awareness among respondents regarding the potential hazards posed by e-waste. It was observed that a significant proportion of the Hassan population typically retains especially electronic devices is cell phones, once these devices become outdated and obsolete. Among the prevalent disposal methods, the most widespread approach involves selling these gadgets to scrap dealers or junk shops, whereas recycling practices remain relatively underutilized. Notably, a mere minority of individuals engage in recycling activities. An intriguing revelation emerged, with 65% of respondents expressing concern about the adverse repercussions of improper e-waste disposal on human health and the environment. Astonishingly, all respondents admitted to having no knowledge of the fate of their discarded electronic devices. Based on the findings gleaned from this survey, it is strongly recommended that a comprehensive review be conducted on the overarching management of e-waste stemming from this electronic waste including mobile phones, gadgets in the Hassan city of Karnataka State. The purpose of these surveys and data collection endeavors is to approximate the volume of e-waste generated through the disposal of these devices. This information is envisioned to assist stakeholders and government agencies in formulating effective and efficient legislation and policies for the proficient management of e-waste


Full Text:

PDF

References


Dwivedy M and Mittal R (2012) An investigation into e-waste flows in India. Journal of Cleaner Production 37: 229–242.

Vaish B, Bhavisha S, Singh P, et al. (2020) E-waste and their implications on the environment and human health. In: E-waste Recycling and Management. Spinger, pp. 219–232.

Widmer R, Oswald-Krapf H, Sinha-Khetriwal D, et al. (2005) Global perspectives on e-waste. Environmental Impact Assessment Review 25: 436–458.

Rautela, R.; Arya, S.; Vishwakarma, S.; Lee, J.; Kim, K.-H.; Kumar, S. E-waste management and its effects on the environment and human health. Sci. Total. Environ. 2021, 773, 145623. [CrossRef]

Tanskanen, P. Management and recycling of electronic waste. Acta Mater. 2013, 61, 1001–1011. [CrossRef]

Kumar, A.; Holuszko, M.; Espinosab, D.C.R. E-waste: An overview on generation, collection, legislation and recycling practices. Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 2017, 122, 32–42. [CrossRef].

Grant, K.; Goldizen, F.C.; Sly, P.D.; Brune, M.-N.; Neira, M.; Berg, M.V.D.; Norman, R. Health consequences of exposure to e-waste: A systematic review. Lancet Glob. Heath 2013, 1, e350–e361. [CrossRef]

Mihai, F.-C.; Gnoni, M.-G.; Meidiana, C.; Ezeah, C.; Elia, V. Chapter 1—Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE): Flows, Quantities, and Management—A Global Scenario. In Electronic Waste Management and Treatment Technology; Prasad, M.N.V., Vithanage, M., Eds.; Butterworth-Heinemann: Kidlington, UK, 2019; pp. 1–34.

Ahirwar, R.; Tripathi, A.K. E-waste management: A review of recycling process, environmental and occupational health hazards, and potential solutions. Environ. Nanotechnol. Monit. Manag. 2021, 15, 100409.

Kiddee, P.; Naidu, R.; Wong, M.H. Electronic waste management approaches: An overview. Waste Manag. 2013, 33, 1237–1250. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Perkins, D.N.; Drisse, M.-N.B.; Nxele, T.; Sly, P.D. E-Waste: A Global Hazard. Ann. Glob. Health 2014, 80, 286–295. [CrossRef]

Gutierrez, R., (2010). “New Age” Trade Agreements and their Possible Contribution to Toxic Trade vol. 2, Environmental Law Network International 2010, p. 46

Kim, S.; Oguchi, M.; Yoshida, A.; Terazono, A. Estimating the amount of WEEE generated in South Korea by using the population balance model. Waste Manag. 2013, 33, 474–483. [CrossRef]

Thiebaud, E.; Hilty, L.M.; Schluep, M.; Widmer, R.; Faulstich, M. Service Lifetime, Storage Time, and Disposal Pathways of Electronic Equipment A Swiss Case Study. J. Ind. Ecol. 2017, 22, 196–208. [CrossRef]

Balde, C P, Forti V, Gray, V, Kuehr, R & Stegmann, P. 2017. The global e-waste monitor 2017 quantities, flows, and resources. Available from: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU- D/ClimateChange/Pages/Global-E-waste-Monitor-2017.aspx.

Tiep HS, David T, Kin Y, Ahmed EM, Teck LC. (2015). E-waste management practices of households in Melaka. International Journal Sciences and Development. 6(11) 811–17.

Oomman UP. 2014. A survey of consumer behaviour towards e- waste management in the city of Mumbai. International Journal of Research in Applied, Natural and Social Sciences. 2(8) 1–10.

Wang Z, Zhang B, Yin J, Zhang X. 2011. Willingness and behavior towards e-waste recycling for residents in Beijing city, China. Journal Cleaner Production. 19(9–10) 977–84. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2010.09.016.

Kalana JA. 2010. Electrical and electronic waste management practice by households in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. International Journal of Environment Sciences. 1(2) 132–44.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


eISSN: 2230-7990