Electronic Components EC Reuse and Recycling A N 2016 Procedia Environme

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipments (WEEE) represent the fastest growing waste stream globally, generating 41.8 metric kilotonnes of WEEE in 2014 alone. This study focuses on two main components of WEEE: the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and its casing, which houses various essential electronic components. Many of these components, namely resistors and microcontrollers, remain viable for reuse even after the EEE becomes obsolete. However, current disposal methods, heavily reliant on informal practices like open burning, pose significant environmental risks. This research evaluates two categories of WEEE—small (e.g., mice, speakers) and large (e.g., laptops, TVs)—to explore improved methods for the recovery and recycling of electronic components. The study proposes a framework that emphasizes the proper techniques for desoldering usable components from PCBs and suggests effective recycling paths for unusable parts. The findings advocate for enhancing the reuse and recycling of electronic components, providing a basis for improved stakeholder decision-making and guiding future research efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable electronics industry.