| Modernization has significantly improved human productivity and quality of life; however, it has concurrently generated profound environmental and public-health concerns. Rapid advancements in computer science, information technology, and automation have shortened the technological life cycle of electronic products, leading to accelerated obsolescence—often within a span of months. This phenomenon stimulates continuous consumer demand for upgraded devices while rendering older models redundant. Consequently, large volumes of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment accumulate, comprising complex streams of hazardous and non-hazardous materials, including heavy metals, persistent plastics, flame retardants, and glass components. The escalating consumption of electronic goods—propelled by global digitalization, Industry 4.0, and innovations in microelectronics—has intensified the scale and complexity of the e-waste challenge. Empirical studies indicate that a substantial fraction of e-waste remains outside formal collection and recycling systems. Instead, it is frequently subjected to informal dumping, open burning, or crude dismantling practices, particularly in developing regions. Such mismanagement not only undermines resource recovery but also poses severe ecological and health risks through soil contamination, groundwater pollution, and the release of toxic emissions.
Keywords: Incineration, hazardous, Dismantling, gold-plated components, reuse.
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