Published in Dwarka Express on 8.7.22

E Waste is one of the fast-growing menaces in the world. And that too, when the electronics become an integral part of education even in schools. In Karnataka, it is reported that about 1387 tonnes of e-waste is lying uncared in 5000 schools. Recently the Department of State Education Research and Training has decided to call for tenders to lift the E Waste. The highest bidder will be awarded the contract. Well, that is fine. The schools will wipe out the obsolete computers, UPS, projectors and so one which have become a head ache for the school authorities. Especially after pandemic, digital revolution has taken place and this has resulted in updating the hardware inventory which were becoming outdated. Karnataka State Pollution Control board has also contemplated on clearing the e-trash in many offices. Scrap dealers and aggregators find enough wealth in e-waste. It is told that in a discorded laptop, one can find metals like gold, silver, lead etc. the e-waste handlers segregate the metal components and make money out of it. The modern gadgets have very short shelf life. Whether it is a smart TV, a Smart phone or a laptop, we just have to throw it in a year or two. The technology upgradation is going at rocket speed. Given the circumstances, going forward, we are going to have a gloomy picture. If we do not have a system in place, the e-waste handling is going to be a formidable challenge. On the one hand, an electronic device getting obsolete is inevitable, but if aggregations, segregation and recycling goes on simultaneously as an Industry, there will be better employment scope along with reduction in e-waste dumping, resulting in greener future.