Guidelines for Environmentally Sound Management of Electronic Waste

Introduction & Background

E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. In developed countries, most of the solid waste is generated and is expected more by 2010.

In USA, most of the e-waste is generated.

In EU, historically, E-waste is growing three times faster than average annual municipal solid waste generation. A recent source estimates that total amount of E-waste generation in EU expected to grow every year. In developing countries, slowly the e-waste is generating.

In China and India, though annual generation per capita is less, can be grown at exponential pace in the future. The increasing “market penetration” in developing countries, “replacement market” in developed countries and “high obsolescence rate” make E-waste as one of the fastest waste stream. Environmental issues and trade associated with E-waste at local, trans boundary and international level has driven many countries to introduce interventions.