Perceptions and Practices of the Management of e-Waste among the Scrape-Dealers of Delhi

Abstract

Introduction: In the last decade, the world has seen a swift upgradation in technologies, be it software or network. This,
in combination with the more than ever-competitive electronic market in India, the general population is exposed to
affordable electronic devices available in different ranges. Young adults, in particular, are one of the largest consumers
of electronic gadgets in the contemporary world. This has led to frequent changes in gadgets, thus the production of
more electronic or E-waste. With no proper plan for waste disposal, our country faces serious environmental and health
impacts due to the generation of e-waste. This study aims to assess the level of awareness about the impact of e-waste
on health and environment among the scrape dealers in Delhi.
Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study being conducted in the urban slums of Delhi, Slums in Central
Delhi and Gokalpuri slum, over a period of six months among the scrape dealers residing in the slums of Central Delhi
and Gokalpuri since the last six months. Sample size was calculated to be of 30 with the estimated SD as 12.8 (from
a previous study), level of alpha error as 0.05, and allowable error for mean as ±3. Ethical clearance was sought from
the institutional ethics committee.
Results: The study is in progress. Preliminary analysis of 10 participants (10 males) showed that all the participants
had suffered injuries due to sharp or pricking objects. 80 % consumed tobacco while 30% consumed both alcohol and
tobacco. Majority 60% participants worked for 5 hours a day, 6 days a week. None of the scrap dealers were found
using any type safety equipments. The majority of study participants (80%) had a poor perception of e-waste disposal.
Conslusion: There is a need for those in authority to pay special attention to sensitizing the scrape dealers to the disposal
of e-waste practices, ill effects of e-waste, segregation at collection sites, legislation, and laws on e-waste.