E-Waste Crisis and Mitigation: Generation Trends, Recovery Techniques, and Policy Interventions

E-waste has outpaced processing capabilities as phones, computers and other electronics are replaced at an increasingly rapid rate. Although these types of devices have “recoverable” metals, they are also relied upon to be cheap and those precious metals will elicit a significant fraction of their weight in recovery also transport chemicals that are hazardous if spilled, dumped or burned. This review looks at what countries manage e-waste; the recycling techniques currently employed, and the rules that seek to contain the quandary. Concepts such as the circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) are also discussed. In general, the review findings imply that smarter collection systems cleaner recycling, better enforcement can reduce waste harms to environment. The review emphasizes that improved collection efficiency, cleaner recovery technologies, and stricter enforcement of regulatory frameworks are essential for sustainable e-waste management in developing economies