E-waste: A Challenge for Sustainable Development

E-waste has been identified as the fastest growing waste stream in the world at present. Rapid socio-economic development and technological advancement are the main drivers of this trend. The hazardous chemical components of e-waste have potential adverse impacts on ecosystems and human health if not managed properly. This represents an imminent challenge to achieving sustainable development goals. Although technologically developed countries are the main source of e-product production and e-waste generation, the generated volume has also been increasing in developing countries and those in transition due to transport and transfer from e-waste source countries. Consequently, developing countries are in a vulnerable situation due to their lack of inventory data, waste management policies and advanced technology for environmentally sound management.