Background and Objective: The rapid development of technology in recent decades has led to a significant increase in the consumption of electronic products, with global e-waste generation reaching approximately 2.5 million tons per year. However, there is limited local data on the amount of e-waste produced. This study aims to estimate the quantity and composition of valuable and hazardous components in e-waste generated by households and government offices in Abadeh Tashk.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was used to determine the number of 27 types of electrical and electronic equipment present in 200 households and 40 government offices in Abadeh Tashk city in 2022. The production of e-waste was then estimated using the consumption-and-use method, based on the average weight and lifespan of the equipment. Valuable components such as iron, copper, aluminum, plastic, silver, gold, tin, and zinc, along with hazardous components including cobalt, barium, arsenic, antimony, chromium, nickel, lead, and mercury, were identified and quantified.
Results: It was estimated that households generated 25 kg/year of e-waste per household, equivalent to 7.9 kg/year per capita. Government offices produced a total of 3.53 tons/year of e-waste. The total weight of valuable components was 574.85 kg for households and 24.41 kg for government offices, while the total weight of hazardous components was estimated at 25.99 kg and 1.07 kg, respectively. Iron and plastic accounted for more than 70% of the valuable components, while arsenic and lead constituted over 60% of the hazardous components in these wastes.
Conclusion: Considering the significant presence of valuable components in the e-waste of Abadeh Tashk city and the potential for their recycling, as well as the environmental and health risks posed by hazardous components, effective planning for e-waste management is essential. Such efforts could mitigate adverse effects on human health and the environment while promoting resource recovery.