MEV 015: Unit 16 - Hazardous and E-Waste Management

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Unit 16: Hazardous and E-Waste Management

16.1 Introduction

Hazardous waste and electronic waste (e-waste) are two of the most dangerous types of waste today. They contain toxic substances that can seriously harm human health, animals, plants, and the environment. This unit helps us understand what hazardous and e-waste are, how they are treated and managed, and what steps have been taken in India and worldwide to control their effects.

16.2 Objectives

The key goals of this unit are:

·         To understand what hazardous waste and e-waste are

·         To study their classification and harmful effects

·         To learn about physical, chemical, biological, and disposal methods of treatment

·         To explore India’s laws and guidelines on hazardous waste

·         To review real-life case studies and global efforts such as the Basel Convention

·         To understand the growing issue of e-waste and its possible solutions

16.3 Hazardous Waste: Introduction

Hazardous waste refers to any waste that is harmful to humans or the environment because it is toxic, flammable, explosive, corrosive, or radioactive. It can come from factories, hospitals, laboratories, or chemical plants. Handling such waste requires great care because even small amounts can be very dangerous.

16.4 Classification of Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste can be classified based on its nature:

·         Toxic waste: Harmful when inhaled, swallowed, or touched

·         Flammable waste: Easily catches fire (e.g., oils, solvents)

·         Corrosive waste: Can destroy materials or skin (e.g., acids)

·         Reactive waste: Can explode or release toxic gases (e.g., chemicals that react with water or air)

16.5 Treatment of Hazardous Waste

Several methods are used to make hazardous waste safe for disposal or reuse.

16.5.1 Physical Treatment

This method uses processes like filtration, sedimentation, or evaporation to separate or reduce harmful parts of the waste. It is mainly used for solid-liquid separation.

16.5.2 Chemical Treatment

Chemicals are added to hazardous waste to neutralize or change its harmful properties. For example, acids can be neutralized using bases.

16.5.3 Biological Treatment

Microorganisms are used to break down certain types of hazardous waste, especially organic materials, into harmless substances.

16.5.4 Incineration

This is the process of burning hazardous waste at high temperatures in special furnaces. It reduces waste volume and destroys toxic compounds but may produce harmful gases if not controlled properly.

16.5.5 Land Disposal

Treated hazardous waste is sometimes buried in specially designed landfills with protective layers to prevent leakage into soil and water. This method is used only when no other treatment is possible.

16.6 Hazardous Waste Management in India

In India, hazardous waste is managed under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards monitor and regulate hazardous waste generation, transportation, treatment, and disposal. Industries are required to get permission for handling such waste and follow strict safety procedures.

16.7 Case Studies

16.7.1 Minamata Bay Incident (Japan)

Mercury waste from a chemical factory entered Minamata Bay, poisoning fish and causing serious health problems in people who ate them. Many victims suffered from brain and nerve damage. This case highlighted the dangers of toxic industrial waste.

16.7.2 Bhopal Gas Tragedy (India)

In 1984, a gas leak from the Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal released toxic methyl isocyanate gas. Thousands of people died, and many others suffered long-term health problems. It is one of the world’s worst industrial disasters and shows the need for strict safety laws.

16.7.3 Basel Convention

The Basel Convention is an international treaty signed in 1989 to control the movement of hazardous waste between countries and to prevent developed countries from dumping waste in poorer nations. India is a member of this convention.

16.8 Introduction to E-Waste

Electronic waste (e-waste) refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, and batteries. E-waste is increasing rapidly due to fast-growing technology and shorter product life. It contains valuable materials like gold and copper but also harmful substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium.

16.9 Hazardous and E-Waste Management

Both hazardous and e-waste require special handling. They cannot be dumped with regular waste. E-waste management involves:

·         Collection and segregation of e-waste

·         Safe dismantling to recover useful materials

·         Proper disposal of toxic parts
India has made E-Waste Management Rules (2016), which make producers responsible for collecting and managing the e-waste they generate (Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR).

16.10 E-Waste Solutions

To manage e-waste safely:

·         Public awareness is needed so people dispose of electronics properly

·         Recycling centers should be developed

·         Manufacturers must take back old devices

·         Rules and laws should be enforced strictly

·         Eco-friendly designs should be promoted so that future devices create less waste

16.11 Let Us Sum Up

Hazardous and e-waste are among the most dangerous forms of pollution today. They can cause serious health and environmental problems if not managed properly. Hazardous waste treatment includes physical, chemical, biological, and thermal methods. E-waste, if recycled properly, can recover valuable materials and reduce harm. Strict laws, public awareness, and proper technology are the keys to safe and effective waste management.

 

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