In the present world of electronic revolution, the mankind is facing the problem of electronic wastes (E-wastes).  Realising the magnitude of this problem the Environment Minister across the world were compelled to organise a summit in Geneva, from December 9-13, 2002.  The summit was organised under the ageis of the United Nations to formulate a global response to it.  The representatives of the electronic industry attended the meeting which was organised as part of the sixth conference of parties to the Basel convention of Transboundary movement of Hazardous Wastes and their disposal.

Consequences

• Increasing rates of technological change has rendered products virtually disposable due to rapid product obsolesce.  For example, the life span of a computer has shrunk from four to five years to about two years.  It is estimated that upto 50% computers turned in for recycling in the us are in good, working order.  The electronics industry vigorously promotes the consumption of electronic waster in developing and under developed countries.
• Consequences of the rapid growth of the electronics industry are disastrous.  E-waste is the fastest growing stream of waste in industrialised countries.  However, neither the industry nor the consumers of electronics products bear the costs of the enormous quantities of wastes produced.  E-wastes contain over one thousand different substances, many of which are highly toxic (e.g., lead, cadmium, beryllium, mercury etc.).
• The burden of E-waste is borne by people who live in developing countries.  Fifty to eight percent of the E-waste collected for recycling in the US is exported to developing countries, most of it to Asia. It is likely that environmental protection Agency will further regulate the disposal of E-waste in the US, driving its export even more.  Experts warn that enormous amounts of hazardous electronic wastes (E-wastes) are being exported to China, India and Pakistan.  The methods used to process E-wastes in these countries are extremely harmful to people and the environment.  The US has not taken responsibility of their E-wastes because they have been able to dump it in post countries.  The electronics companies refuse to use less hazardous materials.  The US government refuses to hold electronics companies accountable for and-of-life management of their products.

Steps needed

• It is time for us- as consumers and concerned citizens-to-take action to protect the environment being harmed by our consumption of electronic products.  E-wastes should be processed where they are consumed. Electronics companies should take the responsibility for end-of-life management of electronics products they produce.
• The Geneva summit considered approval of a new set of technical guidelines of the handling and disposal of plastic wastes, biomedical and health care wastes, lead acid batteries and dismantling of ships.  The summit also discussed efforts to combat illegal trade in hazardous wastes, decided to establish a mechanism for compliance and implement action and development of regional centres.