Electronic waste – an emerging threat to the environment of urban India

Electronic waste or e-waste is one of the emerging problems in developed and developing countries worldwide.it comprises of a multitude of components with valuable materials, some containing toxic substances, that canhave an adverse impact on human health and the environment. previous studies show that india has generated0.4 million tons of e-waste in 2010 which may increase to 0.5 to 0.6 million tons by 2013–2014. coupled with lackof appropriate infrastructural facilities and procedures for its disposal and recycling have posed significant importancefor e-waste management in india. in general, e-waste is generated through recycling of e-waste and also fromdumping of these wastes from other countries. more of these wastes are ending up in dumping yards and recyclingcenters, posing a new challenge to the environment and policy makers as well. in general electronic gadgets are meantto make our lives happier and simpler, but the toxicity it contains, their disposal and recycling becomes a healthnightmare. most of the users are unaware of the potential negative impact of rapidly increasing use of computers,monitors, and televisions. this review article provides a concise overview of india’s current e-waste scenario, namelymagnitude of the problem, environmental and health hazards, current disposal, recycling operations and mechanismsto improve the condition for better environment.