E-waste

Beginning in December 2023, the Tobacco Free Lancaster County (TFLC) coalition collaborated with the Health Promotion and Outreach and Environmental Public Health divisions of Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department to address the growing problem of nicotine vape device waste and its environmental hazards. With new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance and expanded capacity at the HazToGo Waste Management facility, the team planned community-wide solutions for proper vape disposal.
Vape devices pose significant risks due to lithium batteries and toxic chemicals, including liquid nicotine. Lithium batteries can cause fires if defective, damaged, or exposed to heat. Liquid nicotine is highly toxic, even in small amounts, and can be absorbed through the skin.
The EPA advised against disposing of vape devices in regular trash or recycling bins due to fire hazards and toxic chemical exposure. Instead, they should be taken to hazardous waste collection sites for proper management.
A survey of 50 community members revealed a lack of awareness about vape waste handling. Most people reported they would throw away found vape devices without recognizing the risks, such as fire or nicotine poisoning. This highlighted the need for better community education on proper handling and disposal practices, leading TFLC to develop a media campaign to raise awareness about safe disposal methods.
Simultaneously, school administrators and teachers raised concerns about the storage and disposal of confiscated devices. The EPA designates confiscated vape devices as business waste, meaning schools are responsible for their disposal, including all associated costs. TFLC initiated meetings with representatives from Environmental Public Health, HazToGo-Lincoln’s Hazardous Waste Center, and Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) to find a solution that allowed schools to manage disposal without incurring significant costs.

This collaboration resulted in a safe handling, storage, and disposal process for schools, which included disposal kits, an instructional video, and a three-step procedure flyer. The disposal kits, modeled after a successful initiative in Boulder County, Colorado, contained a lockable metal box, resealable plastic bags, and an inventory sheet. The flyer, adapted from the California Department of Public Health, provided clear guidance for school personnel. The video demonstrated proper handling, storage in the metal box, and documentation of confiscated devices. In September 2024, a pilot was launched at four LPS high schools.
After four months, pilot schools reported the process was efficient and manageable. The disposal kits contained odors effectively, and the Lincoln Public Schools Environmental Division successfully coordinated the collection and delivery of devices to HazToGo-Lincoln’s Hazardous Waste Center. A total of 106 vape devices, weighing 21 pounds, were collected.
This project serves both preventive and protective functions. It raises awareness about the hazardous nature of vape devices, including risks of nicotine poisoning or lithium battery fires, and mitigates the environmental risks of improper disposal, which can impact waterways, plants, and animals. It also educates those who vape on the importance of proper handling, storage, and disposal, minimizing health and environmental risks. By addressing these concerns, the initiative promotes safer practices and ensures the responsible disposal of hazardous vape products.

The global trade in electronic and electrical goods is complicated by the challenge of identifying e-waste, which is often misclassified to evade regulations. Traditional analysis methods struggle to discern the underlying patterns of this illicit trade within vast datasets. This research proposes and validates a robust, data-driven framework to segment products and identify goods exhibiting an anomalous "waste signature" a trade pattern defined by a clear 'inverse price-volume'. The core of the framework is an Outlier-Aware Segmentation method, an iterative K-Means approach that first isolates extreme outliers to prevent data skewing and then re-clusters the remaining products to reveal subtle market segments. To quantify risk, a "Waste Score" is developed using a Logistic Regression model that identifies products whose trade signatures are statistically similar to scrap. The findings reveal a consistent four-tier market hierarchy in both Malaysian and global datasets. A key pattern emerged from a comparative analysis: Malaysia's market structure is defined by high-volume bulk commodities, whereas the global market is shaped by high-value capital goods, indicating a unique national specialization. The framework successfully flags finished goods, such as electric generators (HS 8502), that are traded like scrap, providing a targeted list for regulatory scrutiny.

This study examines the impact of electronic waste work on the mental well-being of informal workers in Agbogbloshie and Ashaiman, Ghana two major recycling hubs notorious for hazardous and unregulated environments. While extant literature has largely focused on environmental and physical health consequences, the psychological toll of this work remains insufficiently explored. Using a mixed-methods design combining surveys (N=100) and interviews (N=5), this study assesses the prevalence of mental health conditions, determinants, and coping mechanisms among e-waste workers. Results show a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress, fueled by long-term exposure to toxic substances, no use of personal protective equipment (PPE), irregular income, job insecurity, and social stigma. Coping strategies are mainly informal, such as dependence on religious beliefs, social support, and alcohol or drug use, with little use of professional mental health services. The lack of institutional safety protocols and poor access to healthcare heighten workers' vulnerabilities. The research emphasizes the synergistic interplay of socioeconomic adversity and occupational danger that compounds psychological stress. By synthesizing quantitative findings with workers' personal narratives, it provides an in-depth perspective on e-waste workers lived experience. The findings call for immediate culturally competent community-based mental health services, enhanced safety training, and stricter regulatory oversight to safeguard and advocate for the well-being of this vulnerable worker population.

Abstract
This study explores strategies to increase consumer engagement in e-waste management through refurbished electronics and recycling behaviors in urban and suburban communities. With e-waste quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide, this research focuses on the role of electronic retailers in shaping sustainable consumer practices. A voluntary Qualtrics survey in Georgia collected 131 responses, which were analyzed in RStudio using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and regression analysis. Results showed that financial incentives strongly motivated younger consumers (ages 18–34) to recycle and purchase refurbished products, while older consumers (ages 35 and above) were more influenced by convenience and access to recycling locations. These findings highlight the need for retailers to adapt to demographic motivations—for example, by offering trade-in credits for younger consumers and increasing drop-off sites for older groups. By aligning with these motivators, businesses can reduce e-waste, encourage refurbished technology, and support sustainable policy efforts.

This thesis makes a comparison between RCRA and the Law. specifically in the way in which both Statutes have determined that a material will be considered hazardous waste, and as a consequence be subject to regulation under these Acts; and it also compares which are the tools or actions that each government has to enforce these regulations when somebody has violated or is in violation with the different requirements of the Acts. Although a comparison of both Acts as a whole is not the purpose of this thesis, it is necessary to point out some differences and similarities that are important to understand the specific parts that will be compared. First, both Acts have developed their regulations in a similar way. that is, complex regulations to control the management of hazardous waste from its generation to its disposal.'' This is called "cradle to grave" regulation. The goal of both Acts is to regulate all aspects of the management of hazardous waste from the time it is generated to the time it is finally disposed of Second, it is necessary to mention the difference between the scope of application of both Acts. The Argentinean law establishes the federal jurisdiction on the following basis: related activities which developed a federal jurisdiction, inter- jurisdictional transport of hazardous wastes, discretionary authority of the federal enforcement agency to consider that such wastes may affect people or the environment all over the country, or for purposes of economic competitiveness of industrial activities." Moreover, although the Law applies only in federal territories or when . as described before, there is federal jurisdiction,^it also invites the provinces of the ^Robert V.

This research paper analyzes the crucial importance of cybersecurity in protecting financial data in the accounting profession in the context of increasing cyber threats. As accounting firms face a rising number of cyber-attacks, the implementation of stringent security measures is imperative. This study employs qualitative analysis, comprising case studies and expert interviews, to examine the integration of advanced cybersecurity technologies, including AI, blockchain, and encryption, by major firms such as Deloitte, PwC, and EY into their operations. The findings underscore the efficacy of multi-layered security strategies in improving data protection and fraud detection, although challenges such as elevated costs and the swift evolution of threats remain. The study examines the influence of cybersecurity on accounting practices, highlighting enhancements in data integrity and client trust, while emphasizing the necessity for ongoing training and interdisciplinary knowledge. Ethical and regulatory considerations are examined, emphasizing adherence to international standards. This study concludes with recommendations for professionals, educators, and policymakers, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing innovation and vigilance to safeguard financial data in the digital era.

This study aims to examine the effect of recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) artificial aggregate as a substitute for coarse aggregate on the compressive strength and flexural strength, and the volume weight of the concrete. PET plastic waste is recycled by heating to a boiling point of approximately 300C. There are five variations of concrete mixtures, defined the percentage of PET artificial aggregate to the total coarse aggregate, by 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%. Tests carried out on fresh concrete mixtures are slump, bleeding, and segregation tests. Compressive and flexural strength tests proceeded based on ASTM 39/C39M-99 and ASTM C293-79 standards at the age of 28 days. The results showed that the use of PET artificial aggregate could improve the workability of the concrete mixture. The effect of PET artificial aggregate as a substitute for coarse aggregate on the compressive and flexural strength of concrete is considered very significant. The higher the percentage of PET plastic artificial aggregate, the lower the compressive and flexural strength, and the volume weight, of the concrete.

In this piece of research, n attempt was made to produce a sustainable concrete with the partial replacement of both fine and coarse natural aggregates with two different non-biodegradable wastes. The selected wastes were fine glass and shredded rubber tires. Fine glass passing through 4.75 mm BS sieve was utilised for the partial replacement of fine natural aggregates. Coarse natural aggregates were partially replaced with shredded rubber passing through 20 mm sieve and retained on 6.30 mm sieve. Several mixes with varying % of fine glass but with a fixed 10 % of shredded rubber were tested. Optimum fine glass content was determined to be in the order of 20 %. The resulting concrete exhibited lower plastic and hardened densities (2040 and 2117 kg/m 3 respectively) in comparison to normal plain concrete. The static modulus of elasticity was found to be 18.3 GPa (mean value), while the splitting tensile strength was 2.37 MPa. The flexural strength showed a significant increase of 20.3% compared to the control mix. The results concluded that the concrete thus produced is a viable means of disposing of such non-biodegradable wastes (rubber and glass), thus reducing the loads at landfills. This new genre of concrete was produced at a lower cost than normal concrete because of the very low pre-treatment costs of the recycled wastes used. Furthermore, the properties tend to indicate that the concrete could be applied where lower strength and high durability properties are warranted. Hence precast slabs were made from the new design concrete and were tested along a stretch of a highly trafficable pedestrian walkway on the University campus. The slabs were continuously monitored for defects such as cracks, broken corners and slabs for a period of 24 consecutive weeks. After the test period it was observed that only 4 out of the 80 precast slabs had hairline cracks. Hence concluding the enhanced durability properties of the new design concrete.

In this study, secondary school students used robotics to transform e-waste into usable products. The Stanford Design Thinking
Model was used to develop activities, appropriate for the ages of the students, for implementation outside of school hours. 28
volunteer students, divided into seven collaborative groups of four, participated in the 146 hour process. The students had developed
the following by the end of the program: ‘Smart Irrigation System,’ ‘Battery Meter,’ ‘Distance Meter,’ ‘Smart Walking Stick’ ‘Bluetooth
Sound System,’ ‘Trash Can Sound System’ and ‘Smart Lamp.’ These products were evaluated according to criteria specified in the
literature. The data used in this evaluation are observations, video recordings, and the products themselves. Three-dimensional
drawings, diagrams, and codes produced by the students were used to support the findings, and photographs of the products were
also included. The design-focused thinking approach positively affected product performance, allowing students to both produce
and test prototypes. All of the products developed are working systems. The Stanford Design Thinking Model provided a practical
framework for the teaching of interdisciplinary and complex skills to secondary school students.

Advances in technology and the development of processes for the manufacture of consumer products belonging to electrical and electronic equipment have led to an increase in the presentation of special waste by consumers, mainly those belonging to the e-waste, since such waste are mixed with the ordinary ones making difficult its use and its subsequent treatment. In Colombia, there is no certainty of the chain of followup for this type of waste that responds to the essential principles contemplated within the integral management. Since 2007, the generation of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) has been known since during this time 6,000 to 9,000 tons of these were generated, which represents approximately 0.15 kg per person, according to the Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible (MADS) in conjunction with the Centro Nacional de Producción Más Limpia (CNPML) and Cámara Colombiana de Informática y Telecomunicaciones (CCIT), this data was used as a reference to ca...

This study investigates the feasibility of incorporating shredded e-plastic waste as a partial replacement for coarse aggregates in unreinforced concrete such as concrete blocks. Cubes were produced with varying e-waste contents (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%) and tested for workability, density, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, water absorption, and dynamic modulus of elasticity. Results showed that increasing e-waste generally enhanced workability and thermal insulation while reducing density and stiffness. The 15% replacement mix demonstrated the most consistent overall performance, combining reliable mechanical strength with improved thermal resistance and reduced water absorption. At 30% replacement, significant weight reduction and insulation gains were observed, although structural integrity declined, making it more suitable for non-load-bearing or thermally focused applications. These findings highlight the potential of 15% ewaste replacement as an optimal solution for sustainable concrete, balancing strength, durability, and energy efficiency.

Оригинални научни рад Еколошки погледи на свет ученика основне и средње школе: примена НЕП скале 2 Резиме: Ставови према животној средини представљају начин на који појединац посматра свет око себе и важно их је испитивати, јер често одређују понашање које или повећава или смањује квалитет животне средине. Циљ рада је испитати еколошке погледе на свет ученика основне и средње школе, као и утврђивање димензионалности НЕП скале на нашем узорку. Осим тога, циљ рада је и да се укаже на евентуалне разлике у еколошком погледу на свет између дечака и девојчица, као и ученика са различитим школским успехом. За испитивање еколошких погледа на свет ученика коришћена је НЕП скала (енг. New Environmental/Ecological Paradigm). У истраживању су учествовала 402 ученика узраста од 13 до 15 година. Резултати су показали да наши испитаници показују благу тенденцију ка проеколошком погледу на свет. Факторском анализом добијена су три фактора: еколошка криза, човек (ни)је изнад природе и човекова (не)изузетост из природе. Разлика између дечака и девојчица се показала на трећем фактору. Према резултатима овог истраживања, девојчице су склоније веровању да човек, без обзира на своју способност и развој науке и технологије, не може бити изузет из природне средине и не може да утиче на природне процесе. Школски успех позитивно корелира са фактором еколошка криза. Резултати нашег истраживања показују да је пред доносиоцима образовних одлука, истраживачима као и пред практичарима у школи важан задатак, а то је да пронађу начине како да оно што се дешава у школи има значајнији утицај на еколошке погледе на свет ученика. Кључне речи: еколошки поглед на свет, НЕП скала, еколошко васпитање и образовање, ученици.

A small scrap metal yard in the Agbogbloshie district of Accra, Ghana, has assumed notoriety in discourses on waste, particularly electronic waste, and the so-called illegal dumping of electronics from Europe and North America. A quick online search of “Agbogbloshie + e-waste” reveals that Agbogbloshie is often described as the largest e-waste dump in the world, a depiction consistently reiterated on social media and in documentaries and articles. We argue that this depiction is inaccurate, and indignifies and renders invisible the work which is done in Agbogbloshie. Through our ethnographic research, we interrogate prevailing conceptions of Agbogbloshie, questioning ‘Western’ notions of waste as they occur in media and policy documents such as the EU’s Waste Directive and WEEE Directive, as well as the meanings and values associated with the terms “dump” and “dumping”. We suggest that Agbogbloshie defies common understandings of waste, for it is not primarily waste that is brought into the scrapyard by scavengers. Instead, we encountered people who recycle, repair, and create things in provisional workshops, whose potential role in furthering a sustainable circular economy has been overlooked. We explore these activities as part of what Adam Arvidsson has termed industrious economy, in reference to small-scale, commons-based, and market-oriented entrepreneurship. Our fieldwork enables us to challenge the myths of Agbogbloshie, and provides us with a deeper understanding of the notions of resource and waste and the potential role of informal scrap metal yards in transitions to sustainable circular economies.

Berdasarkan Laporan Monitor Aliran E-sisa Transboundary Global 2022, jangkaan penjanaan sisa elektronik (e-sisa) di seluruh dunia akan meningkat kepada 74.7 juta tan metrik menjelang tahun 2030, dengan peningkatan purata sebanyak 2 juta tan metrik setiap tahun. Walau bagaimanapun, permasalahan peningkatan kuantiti e-sisa bukanlah perkara baru, kerana ia berkait rapat dengan perubahan dalam teknologi dan pertumbuhan pesat penduduk yang juga turut menyumbang kepada peningkatan ini. Di Malaysia, jumlah e-sisa yang dikumpulkan pada tahun 2022 adalah sebanyak 2657.83 tan metrik, yang mewakili peningkatan sebanyak 198.32 tan metrik berbanding tahun sebelumnya. Laporan ini telah menimbulkan kebimbangan di kalangan pelbagai pihak, disebabkan bertambahnya timbunan e-sisa yang semakin meningkat dari hari ke hari. Oleh itu, tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk menganalisis masalah dan kesan peningkatan penghasilan e-sisa. Mengatasi isu-isu seperti kesan sosial dan persekitaran adalah penting dalam usaha mencapai matlamat pembangunan lestari (SDG), termasuk matlamat untuk bandar dan komuniti mampan (matlamat 11), pengeluaran dan penggunaan yang bertanggungjawab (matlamat 12) menjelang tahun 2030. Metodologi kajian yang digunakan adalah melalui ulasan kepustakaan dengan menilai dan merumuskan ulasan dari sumber-sumber primer. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa peningkatan kuantiti e-sisa secara global, khususnya Malaysia disebabkan oleh kekurangan peraturan yang menyeluruh, infrastruktur e-sisa yang tidak mencukupi, serta kesedaran yang kurang di kalangan orang awam.

e express our sincere thanks to Vinuta Gopal (Co-founder & CEO, WAsar) and Priya Pillai (Director, State Climate Action, Asar) for encouraging and supporting the idea of bringing out a detailed report on the waste management in Kerala in the context of the Brahmapuram disaster, Kochi. We also thank the government of icials, current and former of ice-bearers of the Kochi Municipal Corporation, political leaders, people's representatives, residents' associations, residents of Kochi Corporation and Vadavucode-Puthencruz panchayat, waste management experts, service providers, scientists, health professionals, legal experts, activists, media persons, and all others who spent their valuable time and energy for providing us with views, data and information on the Brahmapuram disaster and waste management. For ideas, inputs and insights, our heartfelt thanks to Shibu K N, P Vijaya

Abstract
This paper explores the uneven effects of technological progress through the lenses of social, psychological, and environmental impacts, as highlighted by Schmidt and Cohen, Twenge, and Schlossberg. While technology offers potential benefits, it also deepens inequality, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups.

Introduction
From promises of better connectivity to warnings related to environmental damage, the discourse around technical development is far from one-dimensional. The advantages of technological progress create substantial negative impacts which affect social structures and mental health and environmental conditions. The authors Schmidt and Cohen in Our Future Selves and Twenge in Has the Smartphone Destroyed a Generation? and Schlossberg in The Tech We Throw Away demonstrate that technological tools for advancement create more inequality in society. The authors Schmidt and Cohen demonstrate how technology can improve human capabilities, yet Twenge shows how smartphones negatively affect young people's mental health and Schlossberg reveals the environmental damage from discarded electronics. The different viewpoints demonstrate that technological advancement creates advantages for specific groups while simultaneously harming or marginalizing other populations. Progress benefits particular groups but its accessibility remains limited, which demonstrates the requirement for equitable innovation practices.

Urban heat islands (UHIs), characterized by elevated temperatures in urban areas compared to rural surroundings, pose significant environmental challenges, especially in densely populated cities like Delhi. Some contributing factors include infrastructure that retains heat, vehicular emissions, and limited vegetation. Simultaneously, the improper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) worsens environmental degradation. This research explores the innovative use of e-waste to develop pollution-sensing drones that monitor environmental parameters and contribute to UHI mitigation strategies in Delhi. The drones can be constructed using components reused from e-waste, such as motors, sensors, microcontrollers, and communication modules. Equipped with advanced pollution sensors, these drones can detect particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other air pollutants. Thermal imaging capabilities assess urban heat zones, vegetation health, and the efficiency of cooling interventions like green roofs and reflective materials, further helping mitigate UHI. By identifying pollution and thermal hotspots, these drones can facilitate data-driven urban planning and targeted interventions to reduce heat absorption and pollution. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of recycling e-waste to address the two crises-urban heat and pollution. This approach offers scalable solutions by integrating e-waste management, real-time monitoring, and urban planning, contributing to effective UHI mitigation in Delhi. The findings can underscore the potential of pollution-sensing drones derived from e-waste as a cost-effective, eco-friendly tool for urban resilience, especially in cities like Delhi, where rapid urbanization worsens the UHI effect.

The rapid growth of mobile technology has fundamentally changed how people access information, communicate, and learn. The increasing ubiquity of mobile devices presents unique opportunities to expand elearning for adult learners, who often face specific challenges in accessing traditional learning environments. This study examines the role of mobile technology in facilitating e-learning access for adult learners. As mobile devices become ubiquitous, they offer unique opportunities to bridge gaps in adult education, especially for individuals with limited time and flexibility. Through a qualitative research approach, data was gathered from interviews with adult learners and educators to identify the benefits, challenges, and potential of mobile-assisted learning (m-learning) in adult education. Key findings highlight mobile technology's capacity to offer flexible, personalized, and socially connected learning experiences, making it an ideal medium for adult learners. However, challenges such as screen limitations, connectivity issues, and the risk of distractions were also observed. This paper discusses implications for educators and policymakers and suggests practical strategies for optimizing mobile learning experiences for adults.

The current research work is done to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, Cr) in the surface soil of recycling centres located in different provinces of Pakistan and to quantify and compare the environmental risk by using different geostatistical techniques. The impact of recycling activities on the soil microbial community is also investigated through soil enzyme activities and microbial community pro les. Recycling activities increased the levels of pH, EC, and decreased the levels of K, N, P, and organic matter compared to the soil without recycling activities. The Cr at all sites whereas Hg at only two sites (AL and AM) exceeds the World Health Organization standards (WHO) for soil. A uctuating soil enzyme activity trend was observed among all the sites but the maximum enzyme activity was observed for urease followed by phosphatase and catalase. Contamination factor (Cf), Pollution load index (PLI), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) results showed all the recycling sites are highly contaminated with Cu, Cd, and Pb. No non-carcinogenic health risk was observed for both children and adults as HI is less than 1. There was a strong probability of adverse health effects among children and adults living near recycling centers due to Cu and Cr poisoning (1.59 ×10 - 5 to 4.28 × 10 - 5 ). Therefore, there is a dire need to introduce sustainable e-waste recycling techniques as well as to make stringent e-waste management policies to reduce further environmental contamination.

citizens attempting to protect their local water b o d i e ~. ~ Their ability to enforce the Clean Water Act, as well as other environmental statutes, contrasts sharply with the government's broad enforcement power, reflected in cases such as United States v. Smithfield. Moreover, Gwaltney gave an early indication of the restrictions which would later be placed on citizen standing in environmental cases. While standing was not a prominent issue in Gwaltney, Justice Scalia's concurring opinion presages a fuller explication in later cases of his Article 111: and eventually Article 11,7 based formulations which generally restrict standing for environmentalists in citizen suit cases.8 The most recent iteration of those concepts appeared in last term's opinion in Steel Company v. Citizens for a Better En~ironment,~ where the Court ruled,

The urgent need to reduce global carbon emissions has intensified interest in chemical looping combustion (CLC), a high-efficiency CO₂ capture technology that utilizes solid oxygen carriers (OCs) to separate combustion air from fuel gases without direct contact. This report investigates the potential of e-waste-specifically waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) and spent lithium-ion batteries (LiBs)-as a sustainable and cost-effective source of redox-active metals for oxygen carrier synthesis. These waste streams are rich in transition metals such as Fe, Ni, Cu, and Co, which are essential for high-performance OCs due to their favorable oxygen transfer kinetics and thermal stability. Drawing from recent literature, the study analyzes metal recovery techniques such as hydrometallurgical leaching, solvent extraction, and biohydrometallurgy, highlighting their capacity to achieve high purity and recovery rates while minimizing environmental impact. It further explores synthesis routes-such as co-precipitation, sol-gel, and freeze granulation-and the role of support materials like ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃ in enhancing redox stability and suppressing sintering under cyclic operating conditions. Characterization and performance data from prior studies demonstrate that e-waste-derived metal oxides can achieve CO₂ yields exceeding 90%, high gas conversion rates, and excellent cyclic durability in both fixed-bed and fluidized-bed CLC systems. In addition to reducing reliance on virgin materials, integrating e-waste into CLC oxygen carrier design supports a circular economy model, simultaneously addressing e-waste pollution and climate change. The results suggest a compelling dual-benefit strategy and call for further experimental validation, techno-economic assessment, and pilot-scale deployment to bridge the gap between lab feasibility and industrial implementation.

Climate change, resource depletion, and pollution pose existential threats to humanity. Traditional product design, with its focus on short-term gains and linear economy principles, has significantly contributed to these problems. Green product design offers a solution by minimizing environmental impact throughout a product's life cycle, from material sourcing to end-of-life management. In this chapter, we have discussed green products with examples and then provided the previous research for green product design. The overall advantages of green product design have been discussed to highlight their significance. Further, the barriers to the implementation of green product design in organizations have been discussed. This chapter then provides the green product design process for implementation in organizations. The support tools and methods to achieve green product design have been discussed. By understanding their strengths and limitations, designers can leverage them effectively to create more sustainable products that meet the needs of the environment,
society, and the economy.

Water pollution has emerged as a consequence of human settlements, as well as from specific rural, agricultural, forestry and industrial activities within a region. It has been found that increasing use of nitrogen fertilizers also increases water pollution. Nitrates and ...

The growth of the electrical and electronic industries has led to an inevitable increase in e-waste, posing potential risks to human health. To mitigate this issue, eco-friendly and biocompatible substrates derived from food-based materials can offer a sustainable alternative for responsible electronic circuit integration, helping to reduce e-waste. In this study, a yellow mealworm larva (YML)-based substrate is proposed, aligning with the principles of green electronics. The prepared substrate is characterized using FTIR, SEM, Optical microscopy, water contact angle analysis, TGA, and dielectric properties measurements. To evaluate the biodegradability of YML substrate, comprehensive studies are performed, including moisture absorption rate, water degradation rate, and soil degradation rate, providing a thoughtful study of its environmental breakdown behavior. The dielectric properties (dielectric constant, dielectric loss) and resistivity of the substrate are thoroughly evaluated for the YML substrate. The results demonstrate favorable thermal and electrical properties. As a proof-of-concept, LC electrical circuits are fabricated using the YML-based substrate and compared with the commercially available substrates (FR4), to assess its suitability for electronic applications. The developed YML substrates show strong potential for use in RF and high-frequency electronic circuit applications, maintaining consistent performance even under fluctuating environmental conditions.

This paper examines the growing global issue of electronic waste (e-waste) and its adverse environmental and human health impacts. The study identifies significant gaps in safe disposal, recycling, and policy implementation by evaluating current global practices. The paper advocates for urgent legal and institutional reforms based on data from international agencies and academic sources. The findings call for holistic, enforceable policy frameworks supported by education, infrastructure, and global collaboration to manage ewaste sustainably and mitigate associated risks.

The exponential growth of electronic consumption in Bangladesh, driven by increased urbanization, digitization, and consumer demand, has led to a significant rise in electronic waste (e-waste), posing serious environmental, health, and governance challenges. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review focused on identifying the causes, effects, and management benefits of e-waste within the socioeconomic and environmental context of Bangladesh. E-waste is conceptually framed as a multidimensional problem, encompassing discarded electronic items such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, and household appliances that are either obsolete, non-functional, or no longer in use. These items, when improperly managed, release toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, contaminating soil, air, and water and severely affecting the health of informal workers and nearby communities. The study operationalized the e-waste problem using key measurable indicators, including the volume and sources of e-waste, recycling practices, environmental contamination levels, health implications, and the effectiveness of existing policies and public awareness. A conceptual-operational matrix is constructed to guide future empirical studies and stakeholder-focused interventions. The circular recycling process is discussed in detail, outlining each stage-collection, transportation, dismantling, reuse, material recovery, safe disposal, and reintegration into production-based on principles of the circular economy. Through this lens, the paper emphasizes the importance of transitioning from the current linear, informal, and unregulated system to a formal, circular, and sustainable model. Key recommendations are proposed to strengthen institutional capacity, enforce the E-Waste Management Rules, integrate the informal sector, expand e-waste infrastructure, raise public awareness, promote innovation and research, and foster regional and international collaboration. This review highlights the urgent need for a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach to e-waste management in Bangladesh.

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Purpose: The main objective of this study is to determine the scenario of e-waste management from a global and Bangladeshi perspective and navigate potential business prospects in the procedure of e-waste management minimizing health hazards. Research Methodology: The research was conducted by collecting data from reports and research papers from different international and national sources, interviews with 500 residents of Dhaka City, and five no. of recycling companies in Bangladesh. Upon descriptive analysis of the scenarios of global and Bangladeshi ewaste management, we tried to establish a relationship between proper e-waste management and business prospects. Results: The study found that home appliances and cell phones form the majority of e-waste. Informal recycling practices are responsible for high environmental and health risks. Moving towards a structured, formal recycling process can bring significant economic benefits in the form of employment opportunities and recovery of resources from e-waste. Conclusions: Effective e-waste management, supported by advanced technology and strong policy enforcement, is essential for protecting health and the environment while generating economic and employment opportunities. Limitations: The sample for the interview was taken from Dhaka City only. A larger population could make the study richer. Contribution: The study suggests setting up advanced recycling facilities and transforming entire e-waste management practices through internationally and cooperatively adopted sustainable measures. It emphasizes developing proactive policies and enhancing public awareness of proper e-waste management with a view to effectively facing the challenges and grabbing the business opportunities available from the e-waste management process. Novelty: This research has tried to bring out economic benefits and business opportunities from the process of e-waste management. It highlights that structured and sustainable e-waste management fosters economic growth, mitigates health hazards, and saves the environment.

The management of e waste has become a global challenge due to its sheer volume, and the presence of toxic and hazardous chemicals that are a threat to the environment and health. This article reviews the present status of E waste toxicity and its adverse impact on the environment and human health. The continuous increase in the volume of the e waste generation in the past few years and it's improper disposal, exposes the populations to the potentially hazardous substances and toxins. Most of the toxicity data has come from the populations exposed to e waste such as the informal recyclers and those living in or near e waste dumpsites. Though the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of individual components of the e waste such as heavy metals and the organic pollutants has been established, the complex mechanisms and pathways by which the toxicity affects the cells and the DNA are still not very clear. The aim of writing this review is to bring the attention of the international scientific community to this serious issue, and to urgently focus on finding plausible solutions for efficient and sustainable management of e waste to minimize the threat to the human health and the environment.

Sand mining, the process of extracting sand aggregate from the land surface and underneath the water surface, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, is a growing environmental concern. In the quest for economic development, unsustainable sand mining practices threaten the integrity and functioning of an aquatic ecosystem, specifically the fish breeding behaviour and ecology. The changes associated with sand mining alter the aquatic environment hydrologically, geomorphically, and ecologically and these impact fish reproductive behaviour. Despite more research on sand mining, including the environmental and socioeconomic effects of sand mining, there is a knowledge gap on its impacts on fish breeding and general reproductive behaviour. In a narrative review, this review article explores the impact of sand mining on fish breeding ecology. Sand mining activities, including excavation, heavy machinery, transportation, ground clearance, alter sediment composition, food web dynamics, and increase noise and vibration pollution. This degrades the fish breeding habitat quality through altering sediment composition, reducing dissolved oxygen, increasing turbidity, and reducing macroinvertebrate populations, hence food shortages. Furthermore, this is associated with the reduced fish production in areas with high sand mining activities. To reduce the trend and mitigate these impacts, there is a need for an integrated approach. This includes implementing clear regulatory frameworks, adoption of sustainable mining practices, habitat protection and restoration programs. Further, there is a need for comprehensive research on the long-term impacts of sand mining on aquatic ecosystems.

The Circular Economy (CE) concept is an emerging topic. In 2015 European Commission has adopted a circular economy package on waste management. The targets include achieving a recycling rate of 50% by 31 December 2020. The aim of this study is to create a better understanding of public awareness in the promotion of a circular economy in Bucharest, Romania. Under the frame of ERASMUS+ program, in the project entitled “Waste Education Initiative”, we developed with EU partners a Circular Economy Guide, for Residents and Students. To assess if the Bucharest citizens support and adopt a “Circular Economy behavior”, workshops were carried out amongst Bucharest population, yielding more than 300 voluntarily participants (67% of the total responses were provided by students).

Circular economy(CE) play a important role with the industry 4.0 technologies where we use advance technologies in our recent times like Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data , Artificial Intelligence (AI), cryptography , cloud computing with the Health care devices. In IoT based health care devices are smart medical devices embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity that allow realtime data collection, remote monitoring, and communication with healthcare systems and providers. This study proposes a circular economy framework for IoT enabled health care devices where multiple devices are connected, enabling software and automation processes for smart application. Over time, with advancements in wireless technology, cloud computing , and smart sensors, IoT evolved into wearable devices, smart hospital management, and remote patient monitoring systems. However, challenges such as limited interoperability, sensitive health data ,data security, regulatory compliance law like HIPAA(US), GDPR(EU),etc. Is complex when device changes ownership or usage, and maintaining patient privacy remain critical. Looking to the current scenario IoT enables continuous health tracking, early disease detection ,smart inhalers, telemedicine, and personalized care etc. In future, IoT in healthcare is expected to integrate more deeply with AI,5G,and blockchain technologies, leading to predictive healthcare, implantable ,biosensors ,robotics surgeries ,and fully smart hospitals. As IoT technologies advance , they promise a more intelligent , accessible ,and sustainable healthcare system for all. By utilizing the circular economy and circular healthcare ,healthcare organization may gain and contribute to sustainable business models that help for better health outcomes ,enhances patient and worker experiences with IoT devices.

Over the last decade, many studies have focused on the demographic and functional decline occurring in several cities throughout the old industrialised countries, both in Europe and in the United States. This process, rapidly dubbed by the international scholarship ‘urban shrinkage’ (Pallagst et al., 2009), does not seem to present the same features in each country. This aspect is not clearly underlined in literature, even though some authors recognised the nuanced nature of the phenomenon (Hollander et al., 2009) . Particularly, literature does not stress sufficiently the need to collect data at an appropriate geographical scale, identifying the territorial units where the indicators must be assessed: 1) the municipal boundaries do not suit in order to evaluate the shrinking processes, because these ones have often a trans-border nature; 2) the different urban systems can respond differently to the ‘global’ solicitations, according to their economic basis, social fabric and plannin...

In Spain, the End-of-Life of vehicles is mainly determined by three agents: Authorized Treatment Facilities (ATFs), shredding plants and dense media plants. The work method that those agents use defines the final fate -reuse, recycling, recuperation or disposal into landfills-of the waste coming from the vehicle. In the case of ATFs, the most common model in Spain is the traditional vehicle scrapyard, which applies manual methods to dismantle materials and components. This is a model that has existed from the beginning of the automotive industry and has been converting according to different regulations that have emerged. However, this model is far from the criteria of environmental efficiency. In spite of that, there are very few newer ATPs, which apply systematic methods of dismantling more environmentally efficient. In this paper we use the Life Cycle Assessment methodology to assess the environmental impact of new scenario of End-of-Life of vehicles -based on newer ATPs-. The results are used in a subsequent study to evaluate the improvement achieved by this new scenario compared to the traditional scenario.

Purpose: This paper describes the current status of waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling and disposal in Europe, and its impact on the environment, human health and the economy. Design/methodology/approach: The production of electric and electronic equipment is one of the fastest growing areas. This development has resulted in an increase of WEEE. Increased recycling of WEEE is supposed to limit the total quantity of waste going to final disposal. Findings: Based on comprehensive bibliography, this article reviewed the implementation of strategies of WEEE treatment and the recovery technologies of WEEE. Research limitations/implications: Further studies should be undertaken in order to develop integrated WEEE recycling and disposal systems. Practical implications: In view of the environmental problems involved in the management of WEEE, many countries and organizations have drafted national legislation to improve the reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of such waste so as to reduce disposal. Recycling of WEEE is an important subject not only from the point of waste treatment but also from the recovery of valuable materials. The study of WEEE properties is important for a further recycling and eventual reuse.

In later a long time, progressions in counterfeit insights and computer vision have empowered computerized arrangements for wellbeing observing and dietary evaluation. In this article, a deep learning-based system for estimating food calories is presented with the help of object recognition and image processing. The proposed system uses the Yolov5 model for food detection, OpenCV for the preprocessing of the interactive user interface, and power supplies. By using pre-formed models and pre-defined calorie data sets, the system recognizes food and provides approximate calorie counts based on volume estimation techniques. This paper presents a profound learning-based framework for evaluating nourishment calories utilizing question location and picture handling. The proposed framework utilizes the YOLOv5 demonstrate for nourishment acknowledgment, OpenCV for picture preprocessing, and Stream lit for an intelligently client interface. The comes about demonstrate that this approach is productive and adaptable for real-time applications in individual wellbeing tracking.

This paper exposes a microcontroller-based data acquisition and control system that is particularly suitable for educators and students interested in developing lab experiments that do not require high-cost, high-performance data acquisition hardware and yet can benefit from the publically available development resources.

The waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are characterized by a profound dynamism due to the pace of growth of waste quantities generated, but also because of the continuous diversification of equipment sold as an effect of the technical progress and the growth of living standards. WEEE is characterized by two main attributes: it is hazardous, due to its content of toxic substances, but at the same time it is valuable, due to the content of precious and strategic metals. The extraction of these elements is especially critical in terms of environmental and health hazards during dismantling and processing. On the other hand, in practice, there are economic, environmental, and social advantages associated with informal sector. The researches indicate that the main obstacle to better manage WEEE in the developing countries is lake of environmental laws and, particularly, of control instruments regarding the informal sector. In Romania, the emergence and the development of WEEE management system has been stimulated by the need to align to the European Commission directive. Because the system has not yet reached maturity the share of informal sector in total WEEE activities is significant. The paper begins with characteristics of informal sector as a component of WEEE management systems and then presents the state of research in this field. In the next section is summarized the situation of Romania regarding the management of electronic waste, and the last section addresses the role of the informal sector from the Romanian perspective.

The waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are characterized by a profound dynamism due to the pace of growth of waste quantities generated, but also because of the continuous diversification of equipment sold as an effect of the technical progress and the growth of living standards. WEEE is characterized by two main attributes: it is hazardous, due to its content of toxic substances, but at the same time it is valuable, due to the content of precious and strategic metals. The extraction of these elements is especially critical in terms of environmental and health hazards during dismantling and processing. On the other hand, in practice, there are economic, environmental, and social advantages associated with informal sector. The researches indicate that the main obstacle to better manage WEEE in the developing countries is lake of environmental laws and, particularly, of control instruments regarding the informal sector. In Romania, the emergence and the development of WEEE management system has been stimulated by the need to align to the European Commission directive. Because the system has not yet reached maturity the share of informal sector in total WEEE activities is significant. The paper begins with characteristics of informal sector as a component of WEEE management systems and then presents the state of research in this field. In the next section is summarized the situation of Romania regarding the management of electronic waste, and the last section addresses the role of the informal sector from the Romanian perspective.

A wide range of pollutants have been affecting soil for the past years. These pollutants have led to major disturbances in communities and populations of soil organisms, as well as their function in the soil ecosystem. Studies have shown that earthworms are considered to be convenient indicators of land use and soil fertility for they are sensitive to toxic chemicals. According to Weltje (1998 as cited in Dai, 2004), "different factors interact to determine the amounts of pollutants accumulated by earthworms. The affinity of metals for soil constituents is the primary element to take into account. The distribution of metals among the soil phases is important for the bioaccumulation by earthworms as the main pathways for chemical absorption are the skin for soluble elements, gut transit and digestion." This study aims to identify the effectivity of Eudriluseugenae in the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in an artificially contaminated soil and its significant difference in different levels of concentration in each sample. A total mass of 4.3g to 4.5g of 7 starved earthworms exposed for seven days to artificially prepared copper sulfate contaminated soil samples with concentration range of 1000 ppm to 5000 ppm. Soil samples were then tested for copper (Cu 2+ ) ions concentration using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). The results showed that there was a range 92-94 percent removal of copper in the contaminated soil which shows the effectivity of Eudriluseugeniae in bioaccumulating heavy metal. This proves that earthworms are important organisms that may enhance the function of the soil ecosystem. It is also to note that higher concentrations may highly increase the chance of greater consumption of heavy metals.

July 1, 2006 marks the beginning of the industry's full compliance with the RoHS (1) , WEEE (2) and ELV Directives implemented within the European Union. Undoubtedly, testing products, components and even raw materials for the presence of restricted substances is the key to assessing compliance with regulations. Given the sheer diversity of products, and the amount of testing required, one can easily conclude that the effectiveness of inspections depends on the availability of proven, reliable and fast-testing tools and methods. It is also reasonable to expect that the great deal of testing will be performed not under laboratory conditions, but in the field, and by floor personnel. Therefore, desirable instruments must be simple to operate and rugged enough to withstand floor plant environments. X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) is one of a few, if not the only, instrumental analytical methods well-suited for field and industrial applications. Small, lightweight, and portable x-ray fluorescence analyzers have established themselves as indispensable analytical tools in metals and metal recycling industries, as well as in the screening and analysis of soil for heavy metals. We recently (3) reported on the successful extension of the XRF method to the analysis of metals in polymers and products made of those polymers using a hand-held XRF analyzer. However, the minimum sample size required for reliable analysis by a typical portable XRF analyzer is about 1 by 1 cm., which is inadequate to inspect ever smaller electronic components used by the electronics industry today. To meet this challenge, we have designed an improved version of the portable XRF analyzer which allows for selective analysis of objects as small as 3 mm in diameter. In this paper, we will describe the new analyzer and its performance. We will compare the performance of the new, "small spot" design with that of the older, conventional "broad beam" version. We will show that both analyzers can achieve minimum detection limits way below threshold levels for RoHS regulated substances in polymers and solders. We will also show that the hand-held XRF analyzer can be used for the rapid screening of plastics and resins for the presence of brominated flame retardants. Further, that its "smallspot" version is capable of quantitative screening on a populated PC board individual components such as surface mounted capacitor or resistors, or an individual leaded solder joint amongst other joints of lead-free solder. Major manufacturers of consumer electronics products are using hand-held portable XRF analyzers as first level screening tools in their multi-level compliance programs, the best evidence of the industry's acceptance of this technique. __________________________________

In India about 980 million tons of solid waste is being generated annually as by-products, during mining, industrial, municipal, agricultural and other process. Out of this ~ 380 million tons are organic wastes from agricultural sources. Industrial and mining sector produce ~ 290 million tons in organic wastages and ~4.5 million tons are hazardous in nature. Recent development in the solid waste management gives emphasis on the use of the waste in construction materials in place of traditional materials like tiles, blocks, bricks, aggregates, cement, ceramics, lime, paints, soil etc. To protect the environment efforts are being made for recycling various wastes and utilize them value added applications. In this paper present status on generation and utilization of both hazardous and non-hazardous solid wastes in India, their recycling potential and environmental effects are reported and discussed.

Electronic waste disposal is a primary concern both on a national and global spectrum. The increased usage of information and communication technology and electronic devices among higher education institutions (HEIs) contributes to the annual generation of e-waste. HEIs are called to implement a sustainable scheme to curtail the environmental and public health threats brought by ewaste. Against this background, the recycling strategies of HEIs for discarded electronics were examined and evaluated as to its effectiveness and used as basis to develop policy recommendations for e-waste management. The interventions developed were met with general approval and positive response. The innovative products were perceived to be useful in serving their new purposes and reducing the problems of e-waste in HEIs. These findings provide valuable input for HEIs seeking to enhance their e-waste recycling practices. Existing legislation concerning e-waste was looked into, and policy recommendations that encouraged cooperation and shared accountability among key players and stakeholders were drawn up.