Applied Chemistry for Computer Science & Engineering stream BCHES102

MODULE-5 E-WASTE MANAGEMENT

Introduction, sources of e-waste, Composition, Characteristics, and Need of E-waste

management. Toxic materials used in manufacturing electronic and electrical products;
health hazards due to exposure to e-waste. Recycling and Recovery: Different approaches of
recycling (separation, thermal treatments, hydrometallurgical extraction, pyrometallurgical
methods, direct recycling). Extraction of gold from E-waste. Role of stake holders in
environmental management of e-waste (producers, consumers, recyclers, and statutory
bodies).
Self -learning: Impact of heavy metals on environment and human health.

Definition of waste.
Waste refers to any material that is not wanted or needed and is discarded or disposed of.
Classification of Waste:
Waste can be classified into several categories including household waste, industrial waste,
hazardous waste and e-waste (waste from electronic devices).
Define waste management.
Waste management refers to the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste
materials to reduce their negative impact on the environment and human health.
Define E-waste m anagement.
E-waste management refers to the processes and systems used to collect, transport, treat, and
dispose of electronic waste (e-waste) in an environmentally responsible and safe manner.
Sources of electronic waste (e-waste):
The main sources of electronic waste (e-waste) include:
1. Consumer electronics such as smart phones, laptops, televisions, and household
appliances.
2. Office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and fax machines.
3. Medical equipment such as X-ray machines, monitors, and diagnostic equipment.
4. Electronic toys and games.
5. Military and government surplus equipment.
6. Obsolete technology such as outdated computer equipment and VCRs.
7. Discarded or broken electronic devices.
8. Colleges often use electronic equipment such as projectors, computer equipment, and
audio-visual equipment in classrooms and laboratories.
Composition of E-waste
The composition of electronic waste (e-waste) can vary depending on the typeof device and
its components. In general, e-waste contains a mixture of materials including:
1. Metals: E-waste often contains valuable metals such as copper, gold, silver, and
aluminium.
2. Plastics: Many electronic devices contain plastic components, including casings,
insulation, and cables.
3. Glass: Electronic devices often contain glass components, such as screensand lenses.
4. Circuit boards: Many electronic devices contain circuit boards, which contain a
mixture of metals and other materials.
5. Batteries: Some electronic devices contain batteries, which can contain hazardous
materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
6. Other hazardous materials: E-waste may also contain other hazardous materials, such
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as flame retardants, heavy metals, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Characteristics of E-waste:
The characteristics of electronic waste (e-waste) can include:
1. Complexity: E-waste often contains a complex mixture of materials, making it
challenging to recycle and dispose of properly.
2. Hazardousness: E-waste can contain hazardous materials such as heavy metals,
flame retardants, and batteries, which can pose significant environmental and health
risks.
3. Volatility: E-waste is a rapidly growing waste stream due to the increasing use of
electronic devices and the limited lifespan of many electronic products.
4. Global issue: E-waste is a global issue, as electronic devices are manufactured, used,
and discarded worldwide.
5. Resource depletion: The extraction of raw materials for electronic devices
contributes to resource depletion, and the improper disposal of e- waste can lead to
environmental contamination and waste of valuable resources.
6. Environmental and health impacts: Improper disposal of e-waste can lead to
significant environmental and health impacts, including soil and water contamination,
air pollution, and harm to human health.

Need of E- Waste Management:

E-waste management is necessary because it helps to address several environmental,
health, and resource-related concerns, including:
• Protecting the environment: E-waste contains toxic substances, such as lead, mercury,
and cadmium that can have harmful effects on the environment and human health if
not properly managed.
• Conserving resources: E-waste contains valuable resources, such as metals, that can
be recovered and reused through proper recycling.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: The production of new electronic products
releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. Proper
recycling and disposal of e-waste can reduce theenvironmental impact of electronic
products.
• Reducing land filling: land filling of electronic waste can result in the release of toxic
materials into the environment and contribute to soil and water pollution.
• Protecting public health: Improper handling and disposal of e-waste can expose
workers and the general public to hazardous materials and cause serious health
problems.
• E-waste can be toxic, is not biodegradable and accumulates in the environment, in the
soil, air, water and living things.
• Causes air pollution, Soil pollution and water pollution.
• Electronic Recycling Promotes Soil Fertility and Maintain Nutrient.
• E-waste management programs aim to promote responsible recycling and disposal of
electronic waste and minimize the release of hazardous
materials into the environment. This helps to protect the environment,conserve
resources, and promote public health and safety.
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Toxic materials used in manufacturing Electronic and Electrical products.

Electronic and electrical products can contain a variety of toxic materials,including:

1. Lead: Lead is a toxic heavy metal commonly used in the manufacture of batteries,
computer monitors, and other electronic components.
2. Mercury: Mercury is used in some fluorescent lights, batteries, and otherelectronic
devices.
3. Cadmium: Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal used in rechargeable batteries, pigments,
and plastic stabilizers.
4. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is a common plastic used in electronic cables and
other components. It can release toxic chemicals, such as dioxins, when burned or
during disposal.
5. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs): BFRs are used in the manufacture of
electronic products to prevent fires. However, they are toxic and can harm the
environment and human health.
6. Barium: Barium is used in some electronic components, including cathode ray tubes.
7. Rechargeable Batteries contains Lithium is used in batteries, but it can be toxic if
not handled properly. Cadmium, Lead, Sodium, Lithium, Nickel etc.,
8. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are toxic chemicals that were widely used ascoolants
and solvents in electronic products, such as refrigerators, air conditioners. They cause
ozone depletion.

Health hazardous due to exposure of e waste:

Exposure to electronic waste (e-waste) can have serious health consequences,including:
▪ Poisoning: E-waste can contain toxic substances, such as lead, cadmium, and
mercury that can cause poisoning if they enter the body.
▪ Respiratory problems: Exposure to dust and fumes generated during thedismantling
and disposal of e-waste can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and
bronchitis.
▪ Neurological effects: Exposure to toxic substances in e-waste, such as lead and
mercury, can cause neurological effects, including memory loss,
tremors and coordination problems.
▪ Reproductive problems: Exposure to toxic substances in e-waste, such as cadmium,
can cause reproductive problems, including infertility and birth defects.
▪ Cancer: Exposure to carcinogenic substances, such as dioxins and polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), found in e-waste, can increase the risk of cancer.
It is important to effectively manage e-waste to minimize the exposure ofworkers and
the public to hazardous materials and to prevent serious health problems.

Need for E- Waste management concerning global perspective

E-waste management is an important global concern due to address environmental, health,
and economic concerns and to ensure that electronic waste is disposed of in a responsible and
sustainable manner.
1. Environmental impact: Improper disposal of e-waste can result in release of toxic
substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment, causingsoil, air and water
pollution.
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2. Resource depletion: E-waste contains valuable materials such as gold, silver and copper
that can be recovered and recycled. This can help to conservenatural resources and reduce
the need for new resource extraction.
3. Health risks: E-waste can pose health risks to workers involved in the informal recycling
sector and to communities living near e-waste dump sites.
4. Data security: E-waste can contain sensitive personal information and confidential
business data that could be exploited if not properly managed.
5. Economic benefits: Proper e-waste management can create job opportunities and generate
revenue from the sale of recovered materials.
6. Rapid growth of electronics industry: India is one of the fastest growing electronics
markets in the world, leading to a growing volume of e-waste.
7. Lack of proper disposal infrastructure: In many parts of India, there is a lack of proper
facilities and infrastructure for the disposal and management of e-waste.
Therefore, it is important to implement effective e-waste management policiesand practices
globally to address these issues.

E- Waste recycling:
The process of e-waste recycling typically involves the following steps:
1. Collection and transportation: E-waste is collected from various sources such as
households, businesses, and recycling facilities. It is then transported to a recycling
plant for processing.
2. Sorting and dismantling: E-waste is sorted into different categoriesbased on the type
of material and the manufacturer. The recyclers then dismantle the devices to separate
the valuable materials from the hazardous components.
3. Shredding: The e-waste is shredded into smaller pieces to make it easier to separate
the different materials. The shredded pieces are then sorted into different categories
based on their composition.
4. Separation: The valuable materials, such as metals, plastics, and glass, are separated
from the other components through a series of physical and chemical processes.
5. Processing: The separated materials are processed to remove any impurities and
contaminants, and to prepare them for reuse. For example, metals are smelted to
produce pure metal alloys, while plastics are meltedand molded into new products.
6. Disposal of hazardous waste: The hazardous components of e-waste, such as
batteries and LCDs, are properly disposed of to prevent pollution and health hazards.
E- Waste recycling and recovery different approaches (recycling, separation and
thermal treatment)

E-Waste recycling and recovery can be achieved through different approaches, including
separation and thermal treatments.
Separation: This involves physically separating different components of e-waste, such as
metals, plastics, and circuit boards. This can be done manually or through automated
processes, and the separated materials can then be processed further for recycling or disposal.
Such as using specialized equipment to sort materials by density, size, or magnetic properties.
Some common examples of e-waste components that are separated during the recycling
process include:
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Thermal treatments: E-waste thermal treatment refers to the use of high temperatures to
recover valuable metals and other materials from electronic waste. This process can include
incineration or other pyrometallurgical techniques, and typically involves melting down the
waste to separate the metal components. The separated metals can then be recovered and
reused. Thermal treatment can be an effective method for e-waste recycling.

Hydrometallurgical extraction of E waste:

E-waste hydrometallurgical extraction is a process used to extract valuable metals and other
materials from electronic waste through chemical reactions in aqueous solutions. The process
typically involves the following steps:

Pre-treatment: This involves the fragmentation and size reduction of electronic waste to
prepare it for further processing.
1. Leaching: The e-waste is treated with chemical reagents in a solution to dissolve the
metals and other materials, creating a leachate.
2. Separation: The leachate is then processed to separate and purify the metals and
other materials, through methods such as precipitation or ion exchange.
3. Recovery: The extracted metals and other materials are then recovered and processed
for reuse.
Hydrometallurgical extraction is a more environmentally friendly alternative to thermal
treatments, as it generates less hazardous waste and can be more easily regulated to minimize
environmental impact.

HYDROMETALLURGICAL EXTRACTION There are three main stages in metal recovery

by hydrometallurgical process.

1. Pre-treatment stage:

It involves physical separation of metal components from e-waste which involves

dismantling with separation of hazardous and valuable components. Next shredding of the
materials mechanically through crushers and grinders. Electrical and magnetic separators are
also used in separation.

2. Chemical Treatment stage:

1.Cyanide leaching: Leaching gold with a cyanide solution remains the most widely used
hydrometallurgical process for the extraction of gold from ores and concentrates. The gold is
leached from their native ores by dilute solution of potassium cyanide (or) sodium cyanide in
the presence of air (oxygen) and complex of cyanides that are water soluble are obtained.
Next the gold can be removed through adsorption onto activated carbon.

2. Acid Leaching: Nitric acid, sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid are used to leach the
target metals. Ascorbic acids, citric acids and acetic acids are used to leach light metals from
spent batteries and mobile devices.

3. Thiourea leaching: Thiourea is used as a complexing agent that forms a cationic soluble
complex with a target metal. Thiourea is not stable and decomposes easily in alkaline
solutions hence the reaction is carried out in acidic conditions. The agent was applied to leach
 Applied Chemistry for Computer Science & Engineering stream BCHES102

gold and silver from PCBs of waste mobile phones.

4. Thiosulphate leaching: Thiosulfate leaching can be considered a non-toxic process, the

gold dissolution rates can be faster than conventional cyanidation and, due to the decreased
interference of foreign cations, high gold recoveries can be obtained from the thiosulfate
leaching of the complex. Ammonium thiosulphate solution is used to solubilize gold, silver
and platinum, and other precious metals in the form of an anionic stable complex. The metals
can be recovered from the complex.

5. Halide leaching: Chloride, iodide, and bromide are used to leach gold from PCB waste.
These are high rates of leaching and cheaper and selective methods.

3. Metal Recovery stage:

In this process metal, is recovered from leached metal solution. A variety of methods such as
solvent extraction, ion exchange, adsorption, precipitation and cementation are followed.

1. Solvent extraction: In this process leaching solution is treated with organic solvent in
separating funnel. It results in two phase system. Metal is extracted from leached solution
phase to organic phase system. Different extractants such as amides or amines are used
for extraction of gold, vanadium, iridium, rhodium and tungsten. Methyisobutylketone is
also used as extractants for gold.

2. Electrodeposition: In this method pure gold is obtained from leached solution by

electrodeposition. Pure metal same as metal to be extracted is taken as cathode and inert
metal as anode. They are dipped in leaching solution. When current is applied pure metal
gets electrodeposited at cathode. Even metals such as lead, tin, copper from PCBs can be
recovered from leaching solution. The method is highly efficient, low environment impact
and cost effective.

3. Ion exchange: It is an improved version of solvent extraction method. In this method

solvent extracting reagents are impregnated on polymer beads. The functional group of
reagents act as a chelating group and selectively bind metal ions. The method is selective
to recover selective metal ion. The method is effective to recover gold from cyanide and
thiosulphate leached solutions. It is a low cost, no loss of reagent and environmental
safety method.

4. Adsorption: The metals can be recovered from leached solutions by adsorption on

appropriate adsorbents. Activated charcoal is one of the effective adsorbents. The
adsorption of gold on activated carbon from cyanide solutions is an efficient, low-cost
process. Pt, Au, Ag, Cu metals can be removed from cyanide solution with 95-100 %
efficiency

Pyrometallurgical methods E-waste recycling:

PYROMETALLURGICAL PROCESS
Pyrometallurgy process is used to extract pure nonferrous and precious metals from e-waste.
The methods require high temperature to reduce /extract metals. Pyrometallurgical treatment
of e-waste commonly involves smelting in furnaces at high temperatures, incineration,
combustion, and pyrolysis, and in these unit processes the metals are separated based on their
 Applied Chemistry for Computer Science & Engineering stream BCHES102

chemical and metallurgical properties.

1.Smelting: Copper smelting is commonly used for recovery of nonferrous metal fractions
from e-waste. The processed scrap after preliminary stage contains mainly Iron, Aluminium,
Copper, Lead, Tin, antimony, Zinc and precious metals as metallic Constituents. The mixture
is fed to high temperature furnace of copper smelters. The copper metal is converted to liquid
copper. The impure copper undergoes electrorefining process to get pure copper (99.99 %).
The precious and valuable metals like Au, Pt, Lead, Tin and antimony are recovered from
sludge with highrecovery rates of 90% using hydrometallurgical process. Here iron, silicon
and aluminium are not recovered but are collected as slag.
2.Combustion:
It is a low technology, low-cost method which focuses on recovery of precious metals. The
e waste is subjected to open burning in uncontrolled manner which releases all sorts of
pollutants into atmosphere. The method is highly dangerous for the environment and also
increases the health risk of all the workers involved in it.
3.Incineration:
It is a controlled combustion of waste with suitable emission units. The incinerator has two
connected furnaces. In first furnace e-waste is burnt at temperature of 800oC and in second
furnace for gaseous products of the first incinerator are further oxidised at 1110 oC.Heavy
metals and fly ash are collected at the bottom. Hydrometallurgical process is used for further
recovery of metals. Considering the generation of pollutant gas emission and low metal
recycling performance, incineration is not a wise choice as a solution to recycle the metals.
4.Pyrolysis:
In this process the thermal decomposition of e-waste at higher temperature in an oxygen free
environment takes place. During pyrolysis irreversible thermal decomposition reactions takes
place leading to the formation of low molecular weight products (gases and Liquids) at
temperature between 450oC and 1100oC.The gases, chars and oils produced have an
economic value and can be used as fuel. The metallic components can be separated by
separation. The process also involves release of toxic halogens along with flue gases into
atmosphere.
5.Molten salt Process: In this method inorganic salts such as potassium hydroxide (KOH)-
sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) are used at different temperature between 300 oC and 1100 oC in
a furnace depending upon the requirement. E-waste is fed with the salt and salt is melted at
desired temperature in an inert atmosphere. The organic part decomposes in salt forming
carbonate and silicates and get trapped in salt. Halogens are converted to alkali metal halides
which remain in molten salt. Molten salts dissolve glasses, oxides and to destruct plastics
present in wastes without oxidizing the most valuable metals. This method is efficient for
recovering a copper-rich metallic fraction. A large quantity of hydrogen is produced and
might be used as fuel gas. The metallic component is collected at the bottom of the furnace
after removing the molten salt by washing with hot water. The metal is further processed to
get pure metal.
Direct recycling of e waste:
Direct recycling of e-waste refers to the process of recovering valuable materials from
electronic waste without the need for intermediate processing steps. This can include
processes such as shredding, granulating, and sorting, which are used to separate the different
components of e-waste, such as metals, plastics, and glass. The separated materials are then
 Applied Chemistry for Computer Science & Engineering stream BCHES102

processed to extract the valuable components and prepare them for reuse.
Advantages of direct recycling:
Several advantages over other methods of e-waste recycling, including lower energy inputs,
lower environmental impact, and the potential for higher quality end products.
By combining direct recycling with other methods, such as chemical and pyrometallurgical
processing, it is possible to maximize the recovery of valuable materials from electronic
waste and minimize the environmental impact of e-waste management.
Extraction of gold from e-waste (Explain the Principle and experimental procedure):

Principle: The principle behind the extraction of gold from e-waste is based on the fact that
gold is a relatively non-reactive metal, which allows it to be recovered from complex
electronic waste matrices through a series of chemical and physical processes.
Experimental procedure:
1. Collection and segregation of e-waste: The first step involves collecting and
segregating the e-waste into different categories, such as computer motherboards, cell
phones, and other electronic devices.
2. Physical separation: The e-waste is physically separated into different components,
such as plastics, metals, and glass.
3. Leaching: The metals, including gold, are leached from the e-waste using a suitable
reagent, such as aqua regia (a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid), to dissolve
the gold.
Au + HNO3 + 4HCl → HAuCl4 + NO + 2H2O
4. Precipitation: The dissolved gold is then precipitated out of the solution through the
addition of a suitable reducing agent, such as sodium metabisulfite.
2H[AuCl4] + 3Na2S2O5 + 3H2O → 2Au + 3SO2 + 3Na2SO4 + 8HCl
5. Purification: The precipitated gold is then purified through processes such as ion
exchange, electro-winning, or distillation, to remove impurities and improve its
quality.
6. Recovery: The purified gold is then recovered for reuse.
Advantages:
High yield expected.
Faster extraction of gold is possible.
Disadvantages:
Chemicals are used.
Acid residues are not disposed of properly, which harms the environment.
Role of stakeholders in the environmental management of e-waste:
The role of stakeholders in the environmental management of e-waste can vary depending on
the stakeholder and their level of involvement.
From a local perspective, stakeholders in the environmental management of e- waste may
include:

• Governments: responsible for creating and enforcing regulations and policies to

manage e-waste, as well as promoting public awareness and education about e-waste
management.
• Manufacturers: responsible for the design, production, and disposal of electronic
products, and may be involved in the collection and recycling of e-waste.
• Consumers: responsible for properly disposing of e-waste and making informed
choices about the purchase of electronic products.
 Applied Chemistry for Computer Science & Engineering stream BCHES102

• E-waste recyclers and processors: responsible for the safe and responsible
management of e-waste, including the collection, dismantling, and recycling of
electronic waste.
• Environmental organizations: responsible for advocating for sustainable and
responsible e-waste management practices and raising public awareness about e-waste
issues.
• Community groups: responsible for organizing and participating in e- waste
recycling programs and events and promoting awareness of e-wasteissues in the local
community. From a global perspective, stakeholders in the environmental
management of e-waste include:
• International organizations: such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization,
and the International Telecommunication Union, that is responsible for setting global
standards for e-waste management and promoting cooperation and collaboration
among countries.
• Transnational corporations: responsible for the design, production, and distribution
of electronic products on a global scale, and have a significant impact on e-waste
management practices.
• Global e-waste trade networks: responsible for the transportation and processing of
e-waste between countries and may impact the environmental and health outcomes of
e-waste management.
• Governments of developed and developing countries: responsible for creating and
enforcing regulations and policies to manage e-waste, as well as promoting public
awareness and education about e-waste management.
• Environmental organizations: responsible for advocating for sustainable and
responsible e-waste management practices and raising public awareness about e-waste
issues on a global scale.
• International community: including consumers, NGOs, and civil society
organizations, that can raise awareness about e-waste issues,
demand responsible e-waste management practices, and push for change at the
international level.
Role of stakeholders - producers, consumers, recyclers, and statutory bodies.
In the management of electronic waste (e-waste), the following stakeholders play important
unique role in the management of e-waste:
1. Producers - are responsible for designing and producing electronic products and may
also be involved in the collection and recycling of e- waste.
2. Consumers - play a crucial role in the responsible disposal of e-waste and making
informed choices about the purchase of electronic products.
3. Recyclers - are responsible for safely and responsibly managing e-waste, including
the collection, dismantling, and recycling of electronic waste.
4. Statutory bodies - such as governments, are responsible for creating and enforcing
regulations and policies to manage e-waste and promoting public awareness and
education about e-waste management.