A life cycle assessment study for integrated management of electronic waste

Abstract

An amount of 21,378,553 tonnes of electronic waste or e-waste is expected to be accumulated in Malaysia in the near 2020. To manage this increasing volume of solid wastes, the waste management technologies have to be further integrated. Knowledge of electronic waste compositions, contamination compounds in wastes, laws, guidelines and the management methods is essential to form a cost-effective and an environmental friendly management system. The aim of this study is to propose a technique for managing the electronic wastes through an integrated and holistic manner. The study proposed the use of a life cycle assessment to predict the burden and impacts of the integrated electronic waste management system towards the surroundings. The result of this study was obtained from a field study, data collection, life cycle assessment model, as well as by computer calculation development and impact analysis study. The findings of the study proposed that the implementation of an integrated electronic waste management must combine sustainable techniques for waste collection, waste sorting, materials recycling, thermal treatment and landfill methods to achieve the maximum system effectiveness. However, the pollution control facilities are important to be part of the sustainable technique to ensure that the system will produce the best management method for electronic waste. The advantages of implementing an integrated electronic waste management are that this system is able to contribute to the economic growth of a country and reduce the impacts of pollutants to the environment.