Pacific e-waste: a regional strategy and action plan 2012

Abstract

E-waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment that is at the “end of its life” or is no longer suitable for use. The specific definition and categorization of E-waste varies from country to country, but typically refers to end-of-life electrical and electronic products including computers, printers, photocopy machines, television sets, washing machines, radios, mobile phones and toys, which are made of sophisticated blends of plastics, metals, and other materials. Due to the demand for newer technology, the life-span of electrical and electronic products is progressively decreasing. Consequently, older and out-dated items are becoming obsolete and being discarded in large quantities and at increasing rates worldwide.