Electronic Equipment

Electronic Waste & E-Waste

WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment)

Electronic Waste (E-Waste) and Its Impact

E-waste refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices that no longer function properly or have reached the end of their lifespan. With rapid technological advancements, the volume of e-waste is increasing significantly, especially in countries like Thailand, where electronic consumption is rising every year.

 

The Growing E-Waste Crisis

According to the World Economic Forum, in 2019, approximately 50 million tons of e-waste were generated globally, and this number is projected to reach 120 million tons by 2050. Improper disposal of e-waste can lead to severe environmental and human health hazards due to the toxic materials found in electronic components.

Why Proper E-Waste Disposal is Crucial

  1. Environmental Impact – E-waste contains hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate soil and water if not disposed of correctly.
  2. Health Hazards – Exposure to toxic chemicals in e-waste can cause respiratory diseases, neurological damage, and other serious health conditions.
  3. Sustainable Resource Management – Recycling electronic components helps recover valuable materials such as gold, silver, and copper, reducing the need for new resource extraction.

To ensure proper collection, disposal, and recycling of e-waste, Onemorelink provides a certified and eco-friendly waste management solution, adhering to ISO 9001 and 14001 standards. Let’s work together for a cleaner and greener future! 

The Dangers of Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

Globally, only 20% of e-waste is legally recycled, while the remaining 80% is either dumped in landfills or incinerated. Developed countries often export e-waste to other nations for disposal, leading to severe environmental and health consequences.

Hazardous Components in E-Waste

Electronic waste contains toxic substances such as:

  • Mercury (Hg) – Can cause neurological damage and contaminate water sources.
  • Lead (Pb) – Affects brain development, especially in children.
  • Cadmium (Cd) – Damages the kidneys and respiratory system.

Improper disposal or informal recycling of e-waste can cause these hazardous chemicals to leak into soil and water sources, threatening human and environmental health.

E-Waste Disposal and Recycling Process

Once e-waste reaches a certified disposal facility, it undergoes sorting and dismantling, extracting valuable materials such as:

  • Gold & Silver – Found in circuit boards.
  • Batteries – Containing reusable metals.
  • Microchips & PCBs – Processed for material recovery.

Recyclable parts are then melted down in specialized furnaces and repurposed into new electronic components or industrial materials, minimizing environmental impact.

Solar Panel Disposal and Recycling

As the global demand for solar energy rises, the installation of solar panels has increased significantly. However, solar panels have a lifespan of about 25–30 years, after which they must be properly disposed of to avoid environmental damage.

Composition of Solar Panels

Solar panels are primarily made up of:

  • Silicon solar cells
  • Metal frames
  • Glass sheets
  • Electrical wiring

Currently, there are two main categories of solar panel waste:

  1. Degraded but repairable panels – These can be refurbished by replacing components such as diodes and wiring and then recycled for reuse.
  2. Completely unusable panels – These must be disposed of through exporting to specialized facilities abroad or processing domestically through landfilling or incineration in hazardous waste treatment plants.

Challenges of Solar Panel Disposal

Landfilling is a concern due to the risk of toxic contamination, which can make land unsuitable for future use. To combat this, governments and private sectors are focusing on recycling solar panels to recover valuable materials.

Recyclable Materials from Solar Panels

When recycled, solar panels yield:

  • Glass (91%) – Used in glass manufacturing and frit production.
  • Copper (99% purity) – Extracted from electrical wiring.
  • Slag – A byproduct from copper wire recycling.
  • Anode Slime – A byproduct of refining metal components.
  • Silver (99% purity) – Recovered from silicon wafers.
  • Silicon wafers (99.9% purity) – Repurposed for new solar cells.
  • Aluminium Hydroxide – Extracted from silicon recycling.

As solar panel adoption continues to grow, the private sector is investing more in recycling technologies. In the future, we expect efficient recycling systems to handle the increasing volume of solar panel waste sustainably. 

What is an EV (Electric Vehicle)?

An EV (Electric Vehicle) is a vehicle powered by an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. These vehicles use electricity stored in rechargeable batteries rather than gasoline or diesel, making them quieter and emission-free. With major car manufacturers shifting towards EV production, the transition to electric mobility is accelerating.

Types of EVs

EVs can be classified into three main types based on their technology:

1. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

  • Uses both fuel and electricity to power the vehicle.
  • The battery recharges automatically while driving, especially during braking (regenerative braking).
  • More fuel-efficient compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

  • Works like an HEV but has a larger battery that can be charged externally via a power plug.
  • Runs on electric power first, then switches to gasoline once the battery is depleted.
  • Offers longer electric-only driving range compared to HEVs.

3. Fully Electric Vehicles (Plug-in EVs or PEVs)

PEVs rely entirely on electricity and are further divided into three subcategories:

3.1 Short-Range EVs
  • Designed for low-speed, short-distance travel.
  • Common in small city cars, golf carts, and micro-mobility vehicles.
3.2 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
  • Powered 100% by batteries with no gasoline backup.
  • Requires large-capacity batteries to enable long-distance travel.
  • Considered Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) since they do not produce exhaust pollutants.
3.3 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)
  • Uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for propulsion.
  • The only byproduct is water, making it one of the cleanest vehicle types.
  • Currently in the early stages of adoption but expected to grow significantly.

The Future of EVs and Battery Waste Management

As the global adoption of EVs increases, so will the number of decommissioned EV batteries. Developing efficient recycling and disposal solutions for these batteries is crucial to minimizing environmental impact and ensuring sustainable EV expansion. 

What is a Battery?

A battery is a device that stores electrical energy and releases it when needed. It is typically a rectangular-shaped unit containing chemicals that create an electrochemical reaction to generate electricity. In automobiles, batteries supply power to the starter motor to ignite the engine and power various electrical components via the alternator.

Types of Batteries

Batteries are categorized into two main types:

  1. Primary Batteries (Single-use Batteries)

    • Cannot be recharged or reused once depleted.
    • Common types include lithium batteries used in watches, radios, and remote controls.

  2. Secondary Batteries (Rechargeable Batteries)

    • Can be recharged and used multiple times.
    • Examples include Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries, commonly used in smartphones and electric vehicles (EVs).

Environmental Impact of Improper Battery Disposal

Car batteries typically contain heavy metals such as lead, along with acids and plastic. Improper disposal of these batteries can cause toxic leakage into the soil and water sources, leading to severe environmental contamination.

Proper Battery Disposal & Recycling Process

The most eco-friendly solution is battery recycling, especially for lead-acid car batteries, which can be 97% recyclable. The recycling process involves five key steps:

  1. Collection & Sorting – Used batteries are collected from disposal centers.
  2. Breaking & Separation – Batteries are crushed, and materials like lead, plastic, and electrolytes are separated.
  3. Purification – Contaminants are removed, and materials are refined for reuse.
  4. Reprocessing – Recovered materials are used to create new batteries or other products.
  5. Reuse – Recycled components are reintroduced into new battery production or other industries.

By following proper disposal and recycling methods, we can reduce pollution and conserve valuable resources. 

Battery Recycling Process

1️⃣ Battery Shredding

  • The used battery is broken down into smaller pieces.

2️⃣ Separation of Components

  • Plastic parts are separated from electrolytes, lead, and other heavy metals.

3️⃣ Plastic Recycling

  • The plastic pieces are washed, dried, and sent to recycling facilities to be processed into new plastic products.

4️⃣ Lead Processing

  • Lead plates are melted down into lead ingots, and impurities are removed.

5️⃣ Sulfuric Acid Treatment

  • The acid electrolyte is either:
    ✅ Neutralized and safely disposed of
    ✅ Converted into sodium sulfate, which can be used in detergents, textiles, and glass manufacturing.

♻️ Proper battery recycling helps reduce environmental pollution and conserves valuable resources.

Battery Disposal in Germany

Germany follows a structured recycling process to safely dispose of batteries. The process consists of three main steps:

1️⃣ Discharging the Battery

  • The battery’s charge is reduced to zero to prevent electrical hazards.

2️⃣ Shredding the Battery

  • The battery is crushed into small pieces under nitrogen to prevent fire or explosion.

3️⃣ Vacuum Processing & Electrolyte Recovery

  • The shredded material is processed in a vacuum at extremely low temperatures to evaporate the electrolyte, preventing unwanted reactions.

🔄 Recovered electrolytes and battery materials can be reused, making the process more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

 

Services of One More Link

We specialize in the disposal of electronic equipment and all types of batteries. Our team of experts provides professional consultation and ensures safe and proper disposal.

We are ISO 9001 and 14001 certified, reaffirming our commitment to international standards, legal compliance, and full transparency in our operations.