Let's Not E-Waste the Chance

Just imagine, the world has turned into a massive junkyard, like in the famous Hollywood animation ‘Wall E’, and human beings are forced to abandon the planet only to return after the mess is cleared. It’s hypothetical but our fears could come true one day, if we don’t start shouldering Responsible Recycling!
Electronic equipment is no longer a signature statement, confined to the domain of a select few; It has become an integral part of our lives and over a period of time is bound to replace pen stands and writing pads from the desks of almost everybody. It wouldn’t be surprising if pens and pads become collectors’ items and end up being sold for prices higher than communication and computation equipment. And why not, after all, change is the only constant in life.
Today, our life is virtually incomplete without equipment and gadgets like computers, mobile phones, refrigerators, washing machines and electric irons. These items tend to undergo wear and tear and after a point of time cease to be of use. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), popularly known as e-waste, is the term used to describe old or discarded appliances.
Once these appliances and equipment reach the scrap dealer, they either gather dust or are dumped into rivers or in open areas, without realising the damage being caused to the environment.
E-waste contains harmful componants like halogenated compounds, heavy metals besides radioactive substances that can spell danger to health and the environment. Heavy metal like Cadmium, which is used in rechargeable NiCdbatteries, printer inks and toners besides photocopying-machines, can affect the environment due to its toxicity. Exposure to cadmium fumes causes flulike symptoms. Fluorescent lamps contain Barium, which forms poisonous oxides after coming in contact with air. Short-term exposure to Barium could lead to brain swelling, muscle weakness, damage to the heart, liver and spleen. CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) affects ozone layer...