Hazards of Mobile Phone E-Waste:
A.130 million phones sold in 2009.
B.12,000 mobile phones sold every hour.
C.18 months average handset replacement period.
D.35 million phones are discarded every year.
E.5000 tones E-Waste generated annually.
Last year, a mouth opening of 130 million mobile phones is sold in India, making India one of the largest mobile markets in the world. In addition, a recent study by Gartner estimates that India market will expand to 737 million subscribers by 2010. It will pose a big challenge to mange the E-Waste from discarded handsets.
30-35 % mobile phones sold as replacement phones. The burgeoning amount of e-waste from mobile phones is a matter of concern, because of its toxic constituents like Lead & Cadmium. What’s more matter of concern is the improper ways in which is recycled in India. Informal, uneducated worker using primitive techniques as open burning & acid baths that cause environmental contamination recycles mobile phone waste, like most e-waste.
Remedies: 1.Handset manufacturers should design mobiles for disassembly, reuse & recycling.
2. Mobile phone companies must have take back systems to collect discarded phones, along with reduction on the use of toxic materials in manufacturing to ensure safe recycling.
3. The Gov. should introduce effective laws for better e-waste management & create general awareness among common people.
