E-WASTE (Electronic waste) is a popular, informal name for discarded computers, office electronic equipment, entertainment device electronics, mobile phones, television sets and refrigerators nearing the end of their ‘useful life’. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled, but electronic discards is one of the fastest growing areas of waste in our world today. Rapid changes in technology, changes in media  (tapes, software, MP3), falling prices and new innovations have resulted in a fast-growing surplus of electronic waste around the globe. According to a report by UNEP titled, ‘Recycling – from E-Waste to Resources’, the amount of e-waste being produced — including mobile phones and computers — could rise by as much as 500 per cent over the next decade in some countries such as India.
The United States is the world leader in producing electronic waste, tossing away about 3 million tons each year. China already produces about 2.3 million tons (2010 estimate) domestically, second only to the United States, and despite having banned e-waste imports, China remains a major e-waste dumping ground for developed countries.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste)
Is ‘E-waste’ considered hazardous?
Certain components of some electronic products contain materials that cause them to be hazardous, depending on their condition and density. For instance, nonfunctioning CRTs – cathode ray tubes – which help to display images in televisions and monitors, are considered hazardous.
What should I do with my electronic discards?
The mantra of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ applies to electronic discards. Reduce your generation of e-waste through smart procurement and good maintenance.  Reuse still functioning electronic equipment by donating or selling it to someone who can still use it and in countries where the facilities exist, Recycle those components that cannot be repaired.
Some computer components can be reused in assembling new computer products, while others are reduced to metals that can be reused in applications as varied as construction, flatware, and jewellery.
Electronic waste substances
Some common substances found in large quantities in E-waste include epoxy resins, fiberglass, PCBs (used as coolant fluids, in transformers, capacitors, and electric motors), thermosetting plastics, lead, tin, copper, silicon, carbon, iron and aluminium.
Elements found in small amounts include mercury, while arsenic, gold, manganese, nickel,  platinum, silver, among others are found in trace amounts.
Almost all electronics contain lead and tin (as solder) and copper (as wire and printed circuit board tracks), though the use of lead-free solder is now spreading rapidly. Some of these elements can be described as follows:
Hazardous
•    Mercury: Found in fluorescent tubes, mechanical doorbells, thermostats  and flat-screen monitors. Health effects include sensory impairment, dermatitis, memory loss, and muscle weakness. Environmental effects in animals include death, reduced fertility, slower growth and development.
•    Sulphur: Found in lead-acid batteries. Health effects include liver damage, kidney damage, heart damage, eye and throat irritation. When released in to the environment, it can create sulphuric acid.
•    Cadmium: The most common form of cadmium is found in Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries. These batteries tend to contain between 6-18% cadmium. When not properly recycled, it can leach into the soil, harming microorganisms and disrupting the soil ecosystem.
•    Lead: Solder, CRT monitor glass, lead-acid batteries, some formulations of PVC.
Generally non-hazardous
•    Tin: Solder, coatings on component leads.
•    Copper: Copper wire, printed circuit-board tracks, component leads.
•    Aluminium: Nearly all electronic goods using more than a few watts of power (heatsinks), electrolytic capacitors.
•    Iron: Steel chassis, cases, and fixings.
•    Silicon: Glass, transistors, ICs, printed circuit boards.
•    Nickel: Nickel-cadmium batteries.
•    Lithium: Lithium-ion batteries.
•    Zinc: Plating for steel parts.
•    Gold: Connector plating, primarily in computer equipment.
You can share ideas and questions by sending your letters to: ‘Our Earth, Our Environment’, C/o EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email eit.epaguyana@gmail.com