Electronic Waste Management (eBook)

Electronic waste, which includes everything from refrigerators to smartphones, is one of the world's fastest growing waste streams. Often these items are simply discarded as new technology becomes available. A huge amount of electronic waste is generated globally and currently only around 20% of it is recycled. The complex mixture of materials and components within electronic waste makes it difficult to manage and many of these components can pose hazards to human health or the environment if not disposed of carefully. There have been significant changes in the global approach to electronic waste management and the legislation around it since the publication of the first edition of Electronic Waste Management. This new edition provides an updated overview across the world as well as presenting new chapters on current issues in recycling and management of this waste.This is an essential reference not only for those working in recycling and waste management, but also for those working in manufacturing and product development who wish to consider the full lifecycle of their products. It also provides valuable insights for policymakers developing more environmentally sound and sustainable systems and strategies for the management of electronic waste.