. . E-Waste Electronic waste or e-waste describes discarded electrical electronic devices as well as any refuse created by discarded electronic devices and components and substances involved in their manufacture or use. Their disposal is a growing problem because electronic equipment frequently contains hazardous substances.
In a personal computer, for example, there may be lead (Pb) in the cathode ray tube (CRT) and soldering compound, mercury (Hg) in switches and housing, and cobalt (Co) in steel components, among other equally toxic substances. E-wastes are basically PCB (Polychlorinated biphenyl) based, which are non-degradable ( Fig. . ) .
Fig. . Types of E-wastes Used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal XII Std Zoology Chapter XII Std Zoology Chapter Environmental Issues