Study on Social Relevance: Electronic Waste Management in India

Electrical and electronic waste has been a significant problem in society. It causes environmental pollution and is responsible for producing lead, mercury, and other toxins and hazardous chemicals. In addition, in some cases, the disposal processes such as burning and landfilling generate harmful gases such as nitrogen oxide. There are binary electrical and electronic waste types: “old equipment” and “remanufactured equipment.” Old equipment has been manufactured and used and usually needs little maintenance. In contrast, the “remanufactured equipment” includes parts that have been removed from the old equipment and are placed in a machine to extend the machine’s useful life. This dissertation study was conducted to examine the feasibility of the remanufacturing processes to reduce environmental burdens. Two studies were conducted. In the first study, the remanufacturing processes were analysed to determine what types of recycling activities existed and which process steps were the most efficient. In addition, it was also necessary to determine what type of material will be recycled in remanufacturing and why the specific materials are used for the remanufacturing processes.