Environmental and Technological Aspects of Electronic Waste Management

This article examines e-waste flows and the associated environmental risks at the accumulation, co-storage, and recycling stages.According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, e-waste generation is expected to grow by 3-4% annually: 53.6 million tons in 2022, with a forecast of over 74 million tons by 2030.The article highlights the combination of valuable (copper, aluminum, and precious metals) and hazardous components (lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants).Particular attention is paid to the consequences of co-storage with municipal solid waste, including the formation of toxic leachate and the migration of pollutants into water, soil, and the atmosphere.The article also examines the technological challenges of recycling and extended producer responsibility models in various countries.It concludes that it is necessary to develop separate collection infrastructure, strengthen regulations, and implement consumer education programs.