Electrical and Electronic Waste Management in Sri Lanka

Abstract

E-waste or electrical and electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste in the world and this problem affects Sri Lanka as well. E-waste will become an emerging issue in the near future because the estimated e-waste generation in 2021 is 0.09 million tons in Sri Lanka. E-waste contains valuable compositions that have economic value when it recycled correctly. Unfortunately, Sri Lanka has not improved in e-waste recycle and ewaste management. Therefore the objectives of this research were to find out different types of e-waste generate in Sri Lanka, identify different compositions, develop an application for hazardous non-recycle composition and develop mathematical models for the weight of the composition of e-waste. The study was based on data collected from e-waste collectors. The research project reveals the hazardous, non-hazardous and recycle, nonrecycle composition in selected devices are; 1G mobile phones (0.5kg), 2G mobile phones (0.235kg), 3G mobile phones (0.155kg), 4G mobile phones (0.145kg), Tv (14kg), laptops (2.3kg), computers (9kg), A/C machines (34kg), refrigerators (135.5kg), fluorescent bulbs (0.185kg), and washing machines (34kg). Average weight has to be considered because of the different types, different models, different brands for the same device. Mercury is the only non-recycle hazardous composition in these devices. The results of this research revealed the ten compositions (mercury, plastic, copper, aluminum, cadmium, silver, gold, palladium, steel and lead) found in e-waste and how to calculate them. The study reveals the amount of weight of compositions that can be found in e-waste and which compositions can be affected by the environment. The proper e-waste management system is needed to minimize ewaste generation. E-waste recycling is necessary but should conduct in a proper manner.