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A research project about e-waste, its issues and how to face it.
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E-wasteHow to face this issue using the
technology itself
Students: Bruno Croci de Oliveira, Fernando Renato Matsunaga Marchiotto, Guilherme Augusto Machado, João Paulo Domingues dos Santos
University, Society and Interdisciplinarity
“Meet the need of the present generation without affecting the ability of future generations to meet theirs.”, according to the Brundtland Report (1987)
Sustainability
E-waste is defined by the European Community (2003) as an "electrical or electronic equipment that has been discarded".
E-Waste
Given as the main causes of the e-waste, the obsolescences are divided in two:
● Planned Obsolescence;
● Perceived Obsolescence.
Obsolescences
Though subjects related to environmental degradation are highly discussed nowadays, e-waste isn't discussed yet as it should be, if compared to its power to cause damages.
Motivation
DiscardsM
ilhões
de
PCs
The growth of the computers' discard between 1991 and 2003.
Source: worldbank.org
Millions of Computers
Toxic Substances
Some substances found in electrical and electronic equipment
Mercury Computers and Video devices
Damage to the brain and liver
Cadmium Computers, Video devices and laptop batteries
Poisoning, problems in bones, kidneys and lungs
Arsenic Mobile devices May causes lung cancer and damages the nervous system
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
Case of computers and mobile devices
Cancer and immune deficiency.
Source: http://tecnologia.uol.com.br/ultnot/2008/02/26/ult4213u358.jhtm
Investigate how the technology is facing environmental problems generated by technological development.
•Find what factors that generate e-waste.•Analyze the environmental problems caused by e-waste.•Search technologies that deal with environmental problems generated by the e-waste.
Objectives
Search for data and information in:
●Scientific articles;●Technologic Companies;●Non-governmental organizations;●Statistical surveys on the subject.
Data processing:
●Quantitative analysis;●Qualitative analysis.
Methodology
Some initiatives that are linked to the technological environment and allow us to infer that the technology is able to mitigate the impacts caused by the e-waste:
• Upgrade;• Software Adaptation;• StEP Initiative;• Electronic equipments recycling.
Results
Instead of buying a new computer, you change some parts of it for a new one. It is, therefore, a pailliative measure.
Upgrade
Most software advance as obsolescence, that is, each version requires more powerful computers.
On the other hand, free software have a greater concern with less advanced hardware. What makes it functional in more modest computers.
Software Adaptation
"Solving the E-Waste Problem" - Joint effort between manufacturers of computer equipment and telecommunications companies. Aims to create global standards for the recycling of electronic scrap, increase the life of electronic products and develop markets for their reuse.
StEP Initiative
Encouraging recycling mechanical, chemical and energy resources, since about 94% of materials used in eletronical equipments are recoverable.
As an example of implementation of this measure, we have a project in the Universidade de São Paulo called: "Projeto de Cadeia de Transformação de Lixo Eletrônico".
Eletronical equipments recycling
Source: CARVALHO (2009)
CEDR Operation Scheme
We conclude that there are alternatives that attempt to minimize the situation today, but we did not find a definitive solution. As the prospects for the future can be exciting, the commitment to this issue tends to grow.
Final Considerations
Advisor Teacher
• Ana Maria Klein
Students
• Bruno Croci de Oliveira• Fernando Renato Matsunaga Marchiotto• Guilherme Augusto Machado de Almeida• João Paulo Domingues dos Santos
Contact
E-Waste Project
