CSR AND E-WASTE MANAGEMENT / MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

E-WASTE (ELECTRONIC WASTE) / WEEE (WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT) / E-SCRAP

Electronic waste or e-waste describes all used and discarded electrical or electronic devices. Some of the components of electronic equipments (e-waste)are considered toxic and non-biodegradable.

E-waste includes secondary computers, entertainment devices, mobile phones, office electronic equipment, television sets, refrigerators, etc.

If treated properly e-waste can be a valuable source of secondary raw materials. However, if not treated properly, it becomes a major source of toxins and carcinogens.

The problem of e-waste is a fast growing one around the globe on account of rapid technological change, low initial costs as well as the growing problem of consumerism. The growth in the electronic industry has led to economic as well as social impacts. With high rates of production and exports, increase in consumption rates there is higher generation of electronic waste.

As countries like India have lower environmental standards, electronic waste is being sent here for processing – in most cases illegally. Delhi and Bangalore have electronic waste processing areas. The uncontrolled disassembling / burning and disposal cause both environmental as well as health problems.

The need of the hour is to have proper e-waste management. One of the best ways is to encourage recycling. Television sets, mobile phones, audio visual equipment contain valuable elements and substances that can be recycled. For e.g. Circuit boards contain precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, etc and base metals such as copper, iron, aluminum, etc. which can be extracted and reused.

The proper disposing of or reusing of electronics and e-waste can help prevent health problems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs with reuse thus offering a more environment friendly and socially conscious alternative.

MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

Medical waste management is a major concern and responsibility of health care organisations. Disposal mechanisms for medical waste must be stringent and foolproof to prevent the risk of infection, toxicity and contamination. Ethical and religious norms are also to be respected.