“Technology, which, linked to business interests, is presented as the only way of solving these problems, in fact proves incapable of seeing the mysterious network of relations between things and so sometimes solves one problem only to create others ” (Franciscus, 2015).

In his 2015 encyclical, Pope Franciscus discussed the influence of technology on society. In particular, he discussed the mindset that technology is the only solution to global problems. E-waste is one example of how technology cannot solve a serious and rising issue. E-waste, according to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, refers to all electronic devices that are at the end of their useful life (What is E-Waste?, 2014). In 2009 alone, 2.37 million tons of electronic devices in the United States were ready to be discarded (Statistics on the Management of Used and End-of-Life Electronics, 2012). With the immense volume of e-waste created, recycling allows valuable materials that would have been lost in landfills to be collected and reused.


Global Distribution of E-waste

Countries such as China, India, and Africa have become the leading dumping grounds for e-waste from developed countries as shown in Figure 1. China receives up to 70% of the global annual e-waste, with the number of e-waste computers and cell phones expected to rise by 200% and 700% respectively by the year 2020 (Electronic Waste Disposal, 2012). The remaining 30% finds its way to India and Africa. An estimated 50,000 MT of e-waste is brought into India annually (Pinto, 2008), with the number of e-waste computers and cell phones expected to increase 500% and 1800% respectively by 2020 (Electronic Waste Disposal, 2012). These numbers do not take into consideration the e-waste being produced domestically in developing countries, a number that is currently on the rise.



Safe Methods of E-waste Recycling

E-waste typically contains toxic materials including lead, cadmium, fire retardants, and mercury as well as valuable materials such as gold, copper, and rare earth metals. For proper recycling, the most toxic components, such as batteries, lead glass, and Cathode ray tubes (CRT), must first be removed. The remaining parts are subjected to mechanical processes such as shredding and crushing with magnetic or air separators to remove valuable material from waste (Ewasteguide, 2009). Finally, the separated material is refined and packaged for resale and distribution. This process, when done in a large-scale plant, shown in Figure 2, significantly reduces human health and environmental degradation from toxic material.


Impacts of Improper E-waste Recycling

Developing countries such as Africa, India and China do not have the necessary facilities to safely recycle e-waste. In India, there were only three formal recyclers as of 2008 (Pinto, 2008). Most of the recycling is done by hand, without protective equipment, by women and children with no other financial options. Workers extract gold from chips by chemically stripping them with hydrochloric and nitric acid, often leading to respiratory irritation, circulatory failure, and death (Pinto, 2008). Motherboards and circuit boards are cooked over an indoor stove to remove precious metals, releasing toxic lead fumes. Copper is extracted from wires by burning off the plastic coating in an open fire, releasing dioxins that bio-accumulate in the body, impairing growth and reproduction (Hazardous Substances in e-Waste). CRTs, another source of copper, are broken with hammers, releasing lead dust and phosphor (Pinto, 2008). Computer chips are removed by desoldering, causing mercury, tin, lead, and cadmium inhalation (Pinto, 2008). Long term health effects from living and working with these chemicals include damage to the kidneys, nervous system, immune system, and cancer. The health of the environment is also impacted by the improper disposal of e-waste. In the Chinese town of Nanyang, lead from e-waste has accumulated in river sediment to levels twice that of European safety levels (In 'e-waste' heartland, a toxic China, 2007).

Conclusion

Although the problems caused by e-waste in developing countries would be alleviated by advanced recycling technology, it is an impractical solution. Developing countries cannot afford to install recycling facilities. In addition, doing so would take away much needed jobs for a large number of low income families. In India alone, over 1 million people work at recycling e-waste (Pinto, 2008). As the Pope explained in his encyclical, technology cannot solve every problem and for e-waste in developing countries, other avenues must be taken to resolve the issue.