E-WASTE IN MANIMALA VILLAGE AND ITS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Soniya P. Jose
B.Ed student (Physical Science)
Mount Carmel College of Teacher Education for Women, Kottayam

Abstract
The present research work entitled “E-waste in Manimala village and its management
techniques” was based on a survey carried out with the objectives to determine the E-waste
and its management techniques adopted in Manimala village and to recommend appropriate
waste handling and disposal measures. Samples of 30 households in Manimala village were
selected for the study. The data was collected by adopting survey method. Tool used for the
survey is a questionnaire consists of 15 questions prepared by the investigator. The findings
of the study reveals that significant fraction of middle-class population is still unaware of the
issue; however, on getting the information they were able to link the impacts of improper
management of e-waste with detrimental health outcomes.
Key term: E-Waste

Introduction
Industrial revolution followed by the advances information technology during the last
century has radically changed people’s lifestyle. Although this development has helped the
human race, mismanagement has led to new problems of contamination and pollution. The
technical prowess acquired during the last century has posed a new challenge in the
management of wastes. For example, personal computers (PCs) contain certain components,
which are highly toxic, such as chlorinated and brominated substances, toxic gases, toxic
metals, biologically active materials, acids, plastics and plastic additives. The hazardous
content of these materials pose an environmental and health threat. Thus proper management
is necessary while disposing or recycling e-wastes.
E-waste” is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their
“useful life. Electronic waste” or “E-Waste” may be defined as discarded computers, office
electronic equipment, entertainment device electronics, mobile phones, television sets, and
refrigerators. This includes used electronics which are for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or
disposal. Others are reusable (working and repairable electronics) and secondary scrap such
as copper, steel, plastic, etc to be “commodities”, and reserve the term “waste” for reuse or
material which is dumped by the buyer rather than recycled, including residue from reuse and
recycling operations, because loads of surplus electronics are frequently commingled (good,
recyclable and non-recyclable), several public policy advocates apply the term “e-waste”
broadly to all surplus electronics. Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) are considered one of the hardest
types to recycle. E-wastes are considered dangerous, as certain components of some
electronic products contain materials that are hazardous, depending on their condition and
density. The hazardous content of these materials pose a threat to human health and
environment.
This study has relevance and importance in the present society as the increasing
amount of electronic waste and improper disposal by people. Excessive use of e-waste is one
of the major causes of environmental pollutions and different types of diseases. It causes
diseases like cancer and many organs of our body get malfunctioned. This study points
towards the cause of increasing e-waste, it’s after effects, proper management of e-waste.
Hence the study is relevant in this modern digitalized era to get rid of environmental as well
health issues.

Objectives of the Study

 To determine the different types of e-waste in Manimala village.
 To find out the e-waste management techniques adopted in various house-holds
in Manimala village.
 To determine the e-waste management techniques of middle class and lower class
families in Manimala village.

Methodology
Survey method was adopted for the study to find out the e-waste and its management
techniques in Manimala village. The sample of this study comprised of 30 families in
Manimala village who belongs to ward 14 and they are from both middle class and lower
classes of the families of the society. The investigator prepared a questionnaire consisting of
15 questions to collect the data from the house- holds of Manimala village. The questionnaire
consisted of two sections- first about the baseline information related to their age, family,
size, family income and educational background and second on their knowledge and
awareness regarding e-waste and its management.
Analysis and Interpretation
The investigator conducted a survey among 30 house-holds on the topic E-waste in
Manimala village and its management techniques. The selected families include both middle
class and lower class families. Out of that 50% were middle class and 50% were lower class
families. Personal interview method was used to collect in depth information related to issues
of e-waste and its management. A questionnaire developed by the investigator was tested for
the study.
As a part of the study it was an important thing to evaluate the quantity of each
sample houses. From the study it is revealed that 41% of total e-waste is comprised by mobile
phones. It indicates almost half percentage of total e-waste is mobile phones especially smart
phones. Out of thirty houses, 20% of them dumped damaged mixi. The percentage of
electronic waste in Manimala village is given in figure (1).

Mobile Phones
Washing Machines
T.V
Fridge
Radio
Computer
Mixi
A.C

Figure 1: Percentage of each electronic waste in the study area

In this modern digitalized era, computers are inevitable part of each and every human
life. Due to the increase in its use, the amount of waste computers are also increases
proportionally. In the study area 13% e-waste consist of personal as well as desktop
computers. The waste percentage of fridge and radio is 5%. Television is an important and
necessary household. It consists of 11% of total e-waste. Washing machine and AC are not
seems to be the necessary house hold. So its waste percentage is comparatively low and it is
3% and 2% accordingly.
 Analysis of the data reveals that the knowledge on the issue of e-waste is minimal and
requires massive awareness drives for sensitization. Also, the practices they followed
regarding e-waste at their household level were enquired. The questionnaire consisted of both
open-ended and close-ended questions. Most of the questions had multiple-choice options,
which made it easy for the respondents to answer them appropriately. The open- ended
question gave the respondents ample time and space to express their views. Apart from just
interviewing, informal interactions were also used as a tool for data collection. During the
cause of the study, informal interactions were done with respondents to familiarize them with
the objectives of the present study, their role and benefits to them from this study.
An important finding of the study was that 12-26 per cent people replace their major
electronic goods like refrigerators, food processors, personal computers and music systems
within the three years of purchase. Discarding products within their periods of useful lives
leads to enhanced generation of e-wastes. Along with e-waste generation, this also puts
additional stress over the resources used for manufacturing of these products. On
management of e-waste, most of the respondents argued about the need of having efficient
recycling units and effective mass awareness programmes. They are not anxious about the
after effects of dumping of e-waste in land and water bodies. Public comities should take
necessary steps for the proper disposal and treatment of e-waste.

Findings of the Study

 The survey reveals that significant fraction of middle class population is still unaware of
the issue; however on getting information they were able to link the impact of improper
management e-waste with detrimental health outcomes.
 The study clearly highlights the issues perceived by the middle class population of the
study area.
 Awareness programs are needed for in Manimala village regarding how their activities
contributed waste-related problems and introduce composting and recycling method.
 Present study show that there is a series lack of awareness about e-waste and its
management among house-holds.

Conclusion
In this research, the investigator has studied e-waste management techniques in
Manimala village. The results show that the people were not much aware of the e-waste
 management technique and their consequences. The people should be provided with
sufficient seminar and classes regarding with e-waste management techniques, so as to
improve their attitude towards it. Improving general public awareness concerning the
problem of e-waste management should be a high priority of the responsible administrators
and authorities.

References
 https://www.env.go.jp/recycle/asian-net
 https://en.mwikipedia.org/wiki/electronicwaste
 https://www.cleanindiajoural.com/tag