Global e-waste Monitor 2020 Report

Q. Why is this in News?
Recently, the Global e waste Monitor 2020 Report was released.

 Q. What is E-Waste? 

• It refers to all items of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by its owner as waste without the intent of re-use. 
• According to Global e waste Monitor 2020 Report, in 2019, the world generated 53.6 Mt of e-waste, an average of 7.3 kg per capita, with 21% increase in just 5 years. It will increase by 38% between 2020 and 2030. 

Q. What are Issues with E waste?

• Hazardous to human health: The presence of toxic substances such as liquid crystal, lithium, mercury, nickel, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), selenium, arsenic, barium, brominated flame retardants, cadmium, chrome, cobalt, copper, and lead, makes it very hazardous 
• Environmental effects of e-waste: The toxic materials from electronic devices are released into bodies of water, groundwater, soil and air, affecting both land
  and sea animals. 

o Improper management of e-waste also contributes to global warming. A total of 98 Mt of CO2-equivalents were released into the atmosphere from discarded fridges and air- conditioners that were not managed in an environmentally sound manner. 

• Low recycling capacity: Almost all e-wastes contain some form of recyclable material, including plastic, glass, and metals; however, due to improper disposal methods and techniques these materials cannot be retrieved for other purposes. 

o Only 17.4% of the total e-waste was collected and recycled globally. 

• Dumping in Developing countries: A large amount of E-waste from developed countries is dumped into developing countries. When electronic devices are dumped in these developing countries the impact is detrimental to the environment of the country and the health of the people.

Q. What are some of Measures to Manage E waste ?

• Formal collection of e-waste
• Recycling e-waste
• Improving end-of-life: The circular economy model.
• E-waste Legislation
• E-waste data
• Create awareness

Q. What is Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes ?

• It was adopted in 1989 and it came into force in 1992. 
• The Convention aims to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects resulting from the generation, transboundary movements and management of hazardous wastes and other wastes. 
• It regulates the transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and other wastes and obliges its Parties to ensure that such wastes are managed and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.