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Introduction

Electronic waste, e-waste, e-scrap, or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) describes loosely discarded, surplus, obsolete, broken, electrical or electronic devices.

The processing of electronic waste in developing countries causes serious health and pollution problems because electronic equipment contains some very serious contaminants such as lead, cadmium, beryllium and brominated flame retardants. Even in developed countries recycling and disposal of e-waste involves significant risk to workers and communities and great care must be taken to avoid unsafe exposure in recycling operations and leaching of material such as heavy metals from landfills and incinerator ashes.

According to Toxics Link, a Delhi-based non-governmental organization (NGO), India annually generates $ 1.5 billion worth of e-waste domestically, with the booming IT sector being the largest contributor, as 30 percent of its machines reach obsolescence annually. Bangalore alone generates 8,000 tons a year. A report put out by International Resource Group (IRG) estimates that by 2012, India's domestic waste alone will amount to 1,600,000 tons.

What is E-Waste?

Electronic waste (e-waste) comprises waste electronics/electrical goods that are not fit for their originally intended use or have reached their end of life. This may include items such as computers, servers, mainframes, monitors, CDs, printers, scanners, copiers, calculators, fax machines, battery cells, cellular phones, transceivers, TVs, medical apparatus and electronic components besides white goods such as refrigerators and air-conditioners. E-waste contains valuable materials such as copper, silver, gold and platinum which could be processed for their recovery.

Definition

The Schwab Foundation employs the following criteria when looking for leading social entrepreneurs: Innovation, Sustainability, Reach and social impact.  

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Prof. R. Umamaheswari has completed her B. Com., in 1995 and her M. Com., in 1997 from N. G. M. College, Pollachi affiliated to Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. She did her MBA (Finance & Marketing) in Karpagam Arts & Science College, Coimbatore in 1999. She is qualified with 2 Mphils i.e. M. Phil. (Commerce) and M. Phil. (Management. Currently she is doing her Ph. D. in H. H. Rajahs College, Pudukkotai. She took up her first career as Assistant Financial manager at Sree Balaji Chemicals, Pollachi (April 1999-May 2000). Then she shifted towards academics and working as faculty of management in UG and PG levels at Sree Saraswathi Thyagaraja College from June 2000 to till date. She has also participated and presented papers in many seminars and conferences conducted in National and International levels.