E-waste Calculation

[Priyanka Shah]

Hi everyone,

Can anyone guide on how to calculate amount of E-waste generation from different sectors like Industries, residential appts, commecial complexes, etc.

[Dr. PAWAN KR. SINGH]

E-waste quatification will be approx. 0.4 - 0.5 % (may refer World Bank Report 2008) of total waste generation from housing complex, likewise you can calculate anticipated amount for others as well,for the project with similar nature.

the point can be note as the industries are varying in nature, therefore quantification base can vary.

[Sireesha Patnaik]

Hi Pawan,

I am a development professional from microfinance sector. May I know if accounting e waste can be done state wise? Are there any measures to check the impact of e waste on environment?

Also I would want to know if there are any latest norms to analyse the e waste generation in developing country like India where access to sanitation is difficult, though mobiles have reached faster in the rural India?

[Santanu Debdas Chakrabarty]

Hello Pawan,

I'm an ex Indian Coast Guard Officer and associated with industries for Oil Spill Response at sea. I'm also equally keen to know the basis of the said calculation.

Thanks,

Santanu Chakrabarty

[Dr. PAWAN KR. SINGH]

e waste approx. 5% of all municipal solid waste.

Santanu Debdas Chakrabarty said:

Hello Pawan,

I'm an ex Indian Coast Guard Officer and associated with industries for Oil Spill Response at sea. I'm also equally keen to know the basis of the said calculation.

Thanks,

Santanu Chakrabarty

[Upasana Choudhry]

There are several reports that have attempted to quantify E-waste generation - each having followed their own calculation methodology. You may refer to them online and adopt a methodology that you are most convinced with.

One thing that needs to be flagged in context of waste generation including e-waste, is that consumption pattern varies across countries and it may be almost impossible to ascribe a percent share for any kind of waste as cited from WB Report unless these are specifically in the Indian context. In India there is a tendency to use the equipment longer and product goes through several use lives since from one user its sold/passed on to another and so on. Also E-waste generation will vary from product to product since each product category will have a different product life. All these considerations should ideally go into the calculation.

[Atiemo Sampson]

Several issues come to play when trying to calculate the amount of e-wastes generated for all the sectors. First you need data on the quantity of EEE are purchased annually within a product category. What is the average lifespan of these equipment for the specific product category and sector. You must also look at mass flow analysis from these sectors before you can make an estimation. Note that there several assumptions along the way. You may contact these sites for more information:

1. unu.edu/news/news/unu-study-documents-dutch-e-waste-flows.html

2. Step Initiative of united Nations Univeraity

3. ewasteguide.info

For more information on e-wastes legislation in Africa, Europe and some Asian Countries you may also contact me