Awareness on Environmental Hazards of E-Waste

Global economic development has given rise to use of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE). EEE has enhanced the standard of living while at the same time resulted in growing number of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Short life cycles of EEE have compounded the issue of equipment reaching their end-of-life calling for their scientific management (formal recycling).

The consumption of EEE has also grown over the years in Assam. A study in 2015 estimated that the state produces 14,000 tonnes of WEEE every year. If this estimate is to be held considerable, the situation is alarming. With WEEE becoming the fastest growing municipal waste streams making consumers aware of correct disposal is a challenge. Consumers lack of awareness is posing as a major hurdle in the management of E-Waste.

To make school children aware of the hazards of E-Waste, DCI conducted two awareness workshops titled Environmental Hazards of E-Waste; one at Pargjyotish Jatiya Vidalaya, Geetanagar, Guwahati in Kamrup Metropolitan district and the other at Mayong Higher Secondary School, Hatimuria in Morigaon district.

The workshops were part of an awareness drive initiated and supported by Clean to Green Society with funds from Reverse Logistics Group, India. The workshop was conducted by Chandan Buragohain.