The document discusses the growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste) in Ahmedabad, India and proposes potential solutions. It reports on research conducted on e-waste generation and management practices at a local college and in the city. The document proposes initiatives for e-waste collection and awareness campaigns, and explores using a "SmartBin" system and private recycling companies to improve e-waste management.
2. INTRODUCTION
Electronics - fastest growing stream
Ahmedabad - IT hub in near future
E-waste: An Impending Challenge
Dark side of Digital Revolution
E-waste: Electronic and Electrical waste
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3. RESEARCH
Primary Research
- Questionnaires for faculty, lab instructors
- Facts and figures from people related to handling
of E-waste in college
- Conducted survey amongst students
Secondary Research
- Acts and Rules by the Government
- Impact of E-waste on economy, environment and
health
- Case study - Guiyu (China)
- E-coli : E-waste management process
4.
5. CONSTRAINTS
No government initiative in terms of separate E-
waste collection or recycling plant in the city.
Constant up gradation in technology - advanced
features, better interface, compact size. Equipment
with older technology serves as E-waste.
Limited production of E-waste since the college
started about 2 years ago.
Lack of awareness about private E-cycling
companies such as E-coli and ECS in city.
6. Analysis - I
o On an average users (of maximum age 30) have
utilized 3 cell phones per person.
o Mostly (90%) people either exchanged their old
phone or gave it to somebody who can reuse it
7. Analysis in College perspective:
E-Waste produced from the Electronics Lab
(Electronic waste – IC chips, Capacitors etc.) is
maximum about 3 kg per year. This waste is
DISCARDED currently
Staff of IICT are not aware of the rating of the
appliances and proper servicing time for
equipment.
College prefers electronic devices with better
quality for ex. as per information by CFL (Compact
fluorescent lights) are used in classrooms
Electrical waste (switches, sockets, projector pins,
tube lights, printing cartridges, air conditioner parts
etc. electrical appliances, non repairable items)
THROWN away currently.
Analysis - II
8. SUSTAINABILITY PLANS
Separate dustbin and E-waste Collection Drive programs for
collection and management of E-waste in college
Awareness about private E-waste recycling companies such
as E-coli, ECS
Use of Rechargeable Batteries
ICT application - SmartBin for small scale recycling
Spreading awareness about e-waste through workshops,
seminars, videos, E-waste theme based photography, poster,
documentary, street plays, competitions .