MODULE IV – E – Waste Handling
Syllabus: E-Waste Handling: Characterization & Classification, Packaging and Labelling,
Transportation, Storage, Safety in Handling – Precautionary Principles:
1. Characterization & Classification of E-Waste
“Characterization” refers to understanding the physical, chemical, material and hazard
properties of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). “Classification” means
grouping or categorising e-waste based on its source, functional type, material composition,
hazard potential or regulatory category.
To begin, one recognises that E-waste includes items ranging from large household appliances
(refrigerators, washing machines), to small household devices (toasters, irons), to ICT &
telecom equipment (computers, mobile phones, routers), to consumer electronics (televisions,
audio systems) and to industrial/medical electronics. The functional classification helps in
logistical planning: a refrigerator is bulky, heavy, and contains refrigerants; a smartphone is
small, high in precious metal content, but more challenging in disassembly.
From a material and hazard viewpoint, characterization reveals that many e-waste items contain
significant quantities of metals (copper, aluminium, steel), non‐metals (plastics, glass), and
hazardous substances. For example, older cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors contain lead-oxide
in the funnel glass. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) often carry gold, silver, palladium, and
copper, but also have brominated flame retardants and lead-tin solder. Batteries embedded in
devices (nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion) bring in heavy metals and fire-risk hazards.
Halogenated flame retardants in plastics, mercury in switches or lamps, cadmium in NiCd
batteries are typical hazard constituents. As one logistics/chemical commentary states: “The
extremely complex chemical and physical composition of electronic waste alone testifies to the
hazardous nature of these goods.”
Characterisation is vital because it drives decisions for safe handling, separation, processing,
recycling or disposal. For example, knowing that a batch of dismantled PCBs contains high
levels of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) will mandate that it cannot simply be shredded
in an open facility but must go through controlled thermal or chemical treatment to prevent
dioxin formation.
Classification likewise has regulatory significance. In many jurisdictions, e-waste is classified
under “universal waste” or “hazardous waste” depending on content and state of the item. For
instance, the state of Wisconsin (USA) states that used electronics “may include TVs and TV
accessories; cell phones; computer monitors; computer processors; and computer accessories”
and that most electronics contain heavy metals and chemicals which can pose risks. The
classification not only affects what regulatory controls apply, but also the logistics of
collection, transport, storage, recycling, or disposal.
A practical case‐study: In the Indian context, informal e-waste recycling hubs such as those
once prevalent in the Delhi region (for example in Seelampur and Mandoli) were studied under
the Basel Convention pilot initiatives. The study revealed that more than 70% of the input
mixed e-waste was reclaimable metals and plastics, but the remaining fraction constituted
hazardous residues. Without proper characterization, the informal recycling led to uncontrolled
exposures. This underlines how proper characterization and classification feed into designing
safe and effective recovery routes.
From a teaching perspective, students should know typical classification schemes: by source
(domestic, institutional, industrial); by equipment type; by material content/hazardous
components; by end-of-life condition (intact vs dismantled vs shredded). They should also
understand why classification matters—for example to segregate CRT glass from plastic
housings, or lithium batteries from general scrap.
In summary, the characterisation phase provides the “what is in the waste” and the
classification provides the “how we group it and what rules apply”. Together they form the
first vital step in the e-waste management chain, enabling safe storage, packaging, transport,
recycling and final disposal.
2. Packaging and Labelling
After e-waste has been characterised and classified, the next major stage is to ensure that the
waste is packaged and labelled appropriately so that it can be moved, stored and processed
safely, and that any hazards are clearly signalled.
Packaging in e-waste management serves multiple functions: it protects handlers and the
environment from exposure; it preserves material integrity for recycling; it prevents leakage or
spillage of toxic substances; it prevents cross-contamination; it ensures safe transit (shock,
vibration, weather resistance). For example, batteries extracted from devices must not be
simply dumped in a loose heap—some battery chemistries (e.g., lithium-ion) present fire or
short circuit risk, while lead-acid or NiCd batteries may leak acid or metals. Proper packaging
will place these batteries in secure, leak‐proof, non‐reactive containers with internal
segregations if needed.
Labelling is the complementary aspect: once packaged, each container or package must be
labelled clearly with contents, nature of hazard, origin, date of packaging, instructions for
handling, and destination. For instance, U.S. guidance on “universal waste” containers
recommends that each container be labelled with the date when waste became waste, and when
it was received from another handler. The labels serve to give traceability and to ensure that
downstream handlers are aware of the hazard and treat the materials accordingly.
In international logistics of e-waste, it is increasingly recognised that e-waste should be treated
akin to “dangerous goods.” One logistics firm explains: “Proper storage and transportation of
e-waste is crucial to avoid environmental and personal damage… Secure lockable containers
should be used, batteries should be removed and storage areas should be protected from
moisture and direct sunlight. Hazard symbols and appropriate warnings are required.” Here,
packaging design and labelling are integral to the safety system.
Consider a case - an initiative in Jordan under the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) “POPs Reduction and Elimination Project” contracted a service provider to design
and implement storage management of e-waste, which included the “rearrangement, sorting
each category separately, labelling and repackaging e-waste that contains plastic that has been
proven to contain POPs (persistent organic pollutants) …” This illustrates how packaging and
labelling are not only safety tasks but integral to pollutant control and regulatory compliance.
Key teaching elements for packaging & labelling: discussion of container materials
(compatibility, durability, corrosion resistance), secondary containment (for leak prevention),
palletisation and stacking rules, shock/impact protection for fragile electronics (e.g., CRT
glass), segregation by material/hazard, labelling standards (hazard symbols, date of
accumulation, origin, quantity, handling instructions). Also the digital traceability trends:
barcoding, RFID tagging each package to link to collection and recycling records (for EPR –
extended producer responsibility) are increasingly important in formal e-waste systems.
Thus packaging and labelling form the bridge between collection/storage and
transportation/processing: without correct packaging and labelling, hazards may not be
contained, the flow may be disrupted, liability may increase, and recycling value may degrade.
3. Transportation
Transportation of e-waste is a critical link in the chain from collection point or storage depot
to dismantling, recycling or final disposal facility. Because e-waste can contain hazardous
materials and valuable components, transportation must be handled with regulatory rigor and
practical safety.
First, one must recognise that e-waste may be regulated under “hazardous waste” or “dangerous
goods” rules in many jurisdictions. For example, in the U.S., a transporter of hazardous waste
must obtain an EPA ID number, comply with the manifest system, and ensure secure transport.
Although many e-waste items may not be classified exactly as hazardous waste under a given
law, the principles carry over: tracking, documentation, secure containers, authorised
transporter, risk mitigation.
Best‐practice guidelines state that transportation of e-waste should involve licensed
transporters, secure packaging, clear labelling, tracking, manifest or equivalent documentation,
optimized scheduling (to avoid accumulation at origin), and avoidance of mixing incompatible
waste streams. For instance, an industry blog emphasises that transporters must be trained,
containers sealed and protected, packing must avoid leakage and overfilling, hazard symbols
must be printed, GPS tracking used, and chain‐of‐custody records maintained.
Transport hazards specific to e-waste include battery fires (especially lithium-ion), leakage of
heavy metals, breakage of CRT glass and release of lead oxide dust, explosion risk if sealed
devices are punctured, theft or diversion of valuable components (gold, palladium) resulting in
illegal informal processing. For example, during the transport of loose PCBs or mobile phones,
inadequate packaging may allow moisture ingress or short circuit leading to fire. Therefore
transport vehicles must be designed or selected to prevent spillage, leaks, fires, and dust release.
In regulatory frameworks, the “manifest” or equivalent chain‐of‐custody documentation is
vital. It ensures that the waste is tracked from generator to transporter to processor and finally
recycler/disposal. In the U.S., regulations require the transporter to sign and date the manifest
and retain records for three years. In India, under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022,
collection, transport and recycling have to be managed by authorised entities under the EPR
regime.
Let us illustrate a case: In Bengaluru, the company E-Parisaraa Pvt. Ltd. operates a reverse
logistics network for e-waste in which devices are collected from urban drop-off points,
consolidated, packaged (with batteries removed), loaded in covered trucks fitted with GPS
tracking, and transported to their dismantling facility. This ensures compliance, security of
valuable circuit boards, and safety of the logistics chain (avoiding informal diversion). This
operational model highlights how transport must integrate with collection, packaging, tracking
and final processing.
From a teaching perspective, important points include: how to select vehicles (sealed
compartments, load securing, anti-theft), route planning (avoiding heavy traffic, ensuring
shortest path, reducing fuel/time), legal paperwork (licensing, transport manifest, hazardous
materials regulations), emergency preparedness (spill kits, fire suppression, tyres in good
condition), training of drivers and handling staff, segregation of incompatible wastes on vehicle
(e.g., acid-leaking batteries separated). Also, transporters must interface with storage and
processing facilities to avoid undue storage or double handling.
In summary, transportation of e-waste is more than “moving boxes from A to B” — it is a
regulated, risk‐managed, value‐preserving, safety‐critical activity that ties together upstream
collection and downstream processing.
4. Storage & Safety in Handling – Precautionary Principles
Storage
Once e-waste is collected and characterised, before it is processed or transported, it usually
undergoes a storage phase—either at a collection/aggregation centre or at a
dismantling/recycling facility. Safe, effective storage is essential to prevent environmental
release, worker exposure, fires, theft, and degradation of materials.
Effective storage design should ensure that the area is impermeable (floor coated or sealed
against leachate), well-ventilated (to avoid accumulation of fumes or dust), weather‐protected
(no direct sunlight, no ingress of rain/water), and segregated by waste‐type. For example,
storage of lithium batteries must be separate from general scrap electronics due to fire risk;
storage of CRT glass must be separate to avoid lead dust contamination.
Guidance from logistics articles includes suggestions such as: “The storage location for e-waste
should be separate from other types of waste to avoid cross‐contamination. Ensure that the
storage area is well ventilated and dry. Use containers made of durable materials that are
resistant to moisture and corrosion.” Also, inventory management is important: track the type
of item, quantity, date of storage, condition, and ensure periodic inspection for leakage,
corrosion, physical damage.
Time limits on storage are often required: for example U.S. universal waste regulations allow
onsite storage up to one year in many cases. In India, the E-Waste Rules impose that no e-waste
shall be stored for more than 180 days except under special conditions. Students should
research the exact regulation in their region.
A case example: At the facility of TES-AMM India Pvt. Ltd. in Chennai, modular storage
zones are assigned for different types of incoming e-waste (batteries, CRTs, plastic housings,
PCBs). Each zone is monitored for temperature, humidity, potential leaks, and secured against
unauthorised access. This ensures better safety and downstream processing.
Safety in Handling – Precautionary Principles
Handling e-waste is inherently risky because of physical hazards (sharp edges, heavy lifting,
broken glass), chemical hazards (lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants,
acid/alkali from batteries), biological hazards (if devices have been in wet or corroded state),
fire hazards (lithium battery, short‐circuits). A safe handling programme must cover training
of workers, equipment design, PPE (personal protective equipment), process design to
minimise risk, extraction of dust/fumes, ergonomics, emergency preparedness (spill control,
fire suppression, first aid).
The precautionary principle is central in environmental management: it states that when an
activity raises threats of harm to human health or environment, precautionary measures should
be taken even if some cause‐and‐effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. In
the context of e-waste, this means we should treat suspected hazardous materials (e.g., plastics
with BFRs, devices with legacy lead solder) with caution rather than assume safety. For
example, open burning of e-waste circuits may release dioxins; unless we can guarantee safety
we should avoid it and adopt closed controlled systems.
A vivid case: The town of Guiyu in China was once the world’s largest informal e-waste
recycling site; uncontrolled burning and acid leaching over years resulted in soil and water
contamination with lead, dioxins, high blood‐lead levels in children, indicating long-term
harm. This tragic outcome underlines the need for precautionary principle in handling e-waste.
Students should recognise that inability to measure every hazard in advance does not excuse
inaction; safe handling must assume potential hazard and mitigate accordingly.
From a workplace safety point of view, lessons include: provide mechanical aids (bin dumpers,
hand trucks) rather than manual heavy lifting to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. For instance,
an industry article describes how “bin dumpers can be integrated into various stages of the
electronic waste recycling process … provide numerous benefits including reduced risk of
injury … handling diverse e-waste containers … improved efficiency.” Safe dismantling areas
must have fume extraction, dust suppression, spill containment. Improvised informal processes
such as open burning, acid baths, uncontrolled shredding must be avoided.
The regulatory dimension: Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 in India, producers
and recyclers are mandated to ensure occupational health & safety training, record‐keeping,
periodic health check‐ups, and compliance with standards (e.g., ISO 45001). Workers dealing
with dismantling, processing, or recycling must be trained in hazard recognition, emergency
response, proper PPE usage, safe waste segregation and handling.
