‘Dump and Donate’ the world’s largest e-waste collection drive has reportedly resulted in over 20 tons of e-waste collection in Goa, while the Lion’s International target is to collect 1000 tons across the country during the month-long drive. It is learnt that the collection drive was launched on January 13 wherein awareness was created across the state. It is pertinent to note that a lot of e-waste is being given to the un-organized sector and as a result the e-waste is disposed of in an unscientific manner with a lot of e-waste finding its way into the ocean.
Incidentally India happens to be the third largest generator of e-waste. The main cause of e-waste is the rising demand for electronic products. Often, when electrical appliances break, consumers opt to purchase a replacement, more so if it is more economical than fixing the broken one. E-waste is electronic products that are unwanted, not working, and nearing or at the end of their use.Along with the other trash produced in homes and which is handed over to the door-to-door garbage collector, the one waste that could be neglected and be lying at home is e-waste.
E-waste lying in the house can prove dangerous as it comprises a list of chemicals which are harmful to people and the environment. The chemicals include mercury, lead, barium, lithium, retardants, cadmium, etc. E-waste can be toxic, is not biodegradable and accumulates in the environment, in the soil, air, water and living things.The negative health effects of these toxins on humans include damage to the brain, heart, liver, kidney and skeletal system. This waste collected is sent to the authorized recyclers and disposed-off as per the e-waste disposal norms. Out of the gadgets collected, the usable and salvageable ones are refurbished and donated for community education, while the e-waste that cannot be refurbished is recycled to extract precious metals
