Electronics

Assessment of True Impacts of E-Waste Disposal in Florida

Dr. Timothy Townsend, University of Florida

Proper management of E-waste is one of the major problems facing solid waste professionals. These materials contain known toxic chemicals. Some of these chemicals are known to leach from E-waste (e.g. lead, mercury) whereas the leachability of others is not known (e.g. BFRs). The true impact of these wastes on the environment when managed using conventional methods is now well understood. Information pertaining to this is needed to help develop policies and educate the public. The objective of the research is to provide data pertaining to the impact of electronic waste (E-waste) disposal on landfills and waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities in Florida that can be used by decision-makers involved with this issue.