COM 3601-Semester Project Assignment #1

Denise Kania

COM 3601

Environmental Issue Proposal

Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Management

As technology rapidly evolves, discarded electronics, such as phones, laptops, and televisions, are becoming one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. Known as electronic waste or e-waste, these discarded devices often contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into soil and water when improperly disposed of. E-waste also represents a massive loss of valuable materials like gold, copper, and rare earth metals that could be recovered through proper recycling.

Educating the public on responsible e-waste disposal is crucial to minimizing environmental and health hazards. Campaigns that promote recycling centers, manufacturer take-back programs, and second-hand electronics use can greatly reduce the harmful impact of this waste. Raising awareness can help shift consumer habits toward more sustainable tech choices, support the circular economy, and reduce the toxic burden on landfills, particularly in developing countries where e-waste is often dumped.