ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT, DISPOSAL AND ITS IMPACT ON THE

ENVIRONMENT

A Research Proposal

Presented to

the College of Arts

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirement for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering

ENGL 003 Technical Communication

by

Mark Cruz
 CHAPTER 1

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

Electronic waste is one of the common things that we

encounter especially when we are fond of acquiring new gadgets

and other electronic devices and appliances. We do not care about

the broken electronic appliances and we just dump them in the bin

or other give them to the ones who are buying it or collecting

them. We do not know that these wastes can cause harm to us in

the future if it is not treated well.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment is becoming major

thread to our community. Its toxic emissions mixed with virgin

soil and air and causing harmful effects to the entire biota

either directly or indirectly. Direct impacts include release of

acids, toxic compounds including heavy metals, carcinogenic

chemicals and indirect effects such as bio magnification of heavy

metals. Many private firms are involved in collecting,

dismantling, separation and exporting e-wastes for recyclers.

Electronic industry is the worlds largest and innovative

industry for its kind. Every year tons of electronic items are

shipped over oceans, however, after their usage time they are

become a complex waste matter which consists of many hazardous

heavy metals, acids, toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable

plastics. Many are dumped, burnt or exported to recyclers.

However, about 75% of e-wastes are uncertain for their use or

finding ways to use them which includes refurbishment,

remanufacture and reuse their parts for repair etc. While others

are junks occupying usable space at houses, apartments, firms and

industries. Most e-recyclers were exporting the toxic materials

such as leaded glass, circuit boards, and mercury lamps usually

to other countries. Dismantling process takes much labor,

dismantling is not only involving in unscrewing but also

shredding, tearing and burning. The smoke and dust particle

consists of carcinogens and other hazardous chemicals which

causes severe inflammations and lesions including many

respiratory and skin diseases. Circuits are burnt to hunt the

valuable metals such as gold, platinum, cadmium but the wire coat

of those consists of PVC and PCB which may produce erotic smoke,

and carbon particles from the toners are carcinogens, they may

lead to lung and skin cancer (Kevin et al.,2008).

Theoretical Background

The objective of this project is to provide insights and

tools for better management of e-waste from passive elements in

Industrial area of City of Manila. It is a search for creativity,

innovation activities and actors for better integrated approach

to e-waste management which is now an environmental challenge in

Philippines. There is therefore a need to conceptualize

management of e-waste in Manufacturing and Processing industries

in a more holistic and integrative manner.

Research Paradigm

The research aims to know first the profile of the

respondents, develop ways to better improve the electronic wastes

disposals, difficulties encountered by the respondents in proper

disposals of the said wastes, and what measures must be done to

prevent people from disposing the e-wastes improperly.

The researcher must gather data by conducting survey,

tabulation and interpretation of data.

The output grid will tell if what are the best things to do

to improve the disposal of e-wastes and how to properly educate

people from disposing it.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to find out how people treat their wastes and

if they are disposing it properly.

They will answer some survey questions to determine their

habits on disposing the e-wastes. These questions are:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

 1.1 Age
1.2 Gender

2. Do the existing policies provide a framework for safe,

efficient and environmentally sound e-waste management?

3. How is e-waste handled in manufacturing and processing

industries especially from passive elements?

4. What are the critical challenges and problems of e-waste

management from passive elements in industrial area City of

Manila?

5. What are the opportunities, potentials and capacities of

matters concerning e-waste management from passive elements in

manufacturing?

Conceptual Framework

E-waste management in manufacturing and processing

industries is a complex process requiring comprehensive

assessment of its various facets; economic, technological,

political and institutional. The envisaged conceptual framework

for carrying out a proper e-waste management revolves around an

integrated approach where aspect in all three levels; social,

economic and environmental within sustainability theory are

identified and conceptualized. Social model aspect that include,

better living condition, good health is realized through proper

e-waste disposal which will ensure minimal pollution of the

environment. The social welfare of the residence of industrial

was investigated by evaluating the distance between there area of

residence and disposal sites. Cases of poor e-waste disposal in

their neighborhood and e-waste handling criteria of people

working in industries were also investigated in the interview.

The age, 23 sex, family size of the residence staying in

industrial area was also determined to find out the likely age,

sex and people who can be affected by poor e-waste handling

(Muhani, 2012)
ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT, DISPOSAL AND ITS IMPACT ON THE

ENVIRONMENT

A Research Proposal

Presented to

the College of Arts

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirement for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering

ENGL 003 Technical Communication

by
Mark Cruz