Printers are included in electronics, so while recycling such electronics several challenges are faces, such as difficulty of finding the markets for the plastics that are flame retarded, and managing hazardous materials like Cathode Ray Tube or CRT glass (Needhidasan, Samuel, and Chidambaram, 2014). However, CRT glass is also present in printers so it becomes difficult to recycle printers in an environmentally friendly manner. Most of the time recycling is carried out without any safety gear. The rate of production of electronic waste from recycling is increasing 10 percent each year (Rankin, 2011). The developed countries are exporting recycled printers to the developing countries, though it is regarded as illegal for the developing countries to accept such toxic and waste products. However, the illegally traded waste printers are moved to informal sectors for recycling in West African and Asian countries, which further use toxic and primitive techniques and technologies for further recycling them. Hazardous waste is the outcome at recycling stage, which is creating several issues for the government as government is finding it difficult to cope with toxins, and getting rid of them. Government has to introduce regulatory and legal framework so that recycling of printers and other electronic devices can be controlled. Further, government also faces challenge of introduction of safety rules and laws regarding protection of workers and communities because they are exposed to dangerous elements. It has to make efforts in order to create awareness in individuals because majority of population is unaware about the dangerous effects of recycling of electronic devices, and they are wasting even brand new devices by recycling them. Government is also facing the problem of leaching heavy metals from incineration and landfill.
In conclusion, recycling stage of printers creates wastes, which creates difficulties for government as government has to take several measures for ensuring reduction and elimination of waste.
References
Needhidasan, S., Samuel, M., and Chidambaram, R. (2014). Electronic waste – an emerging threat to the environment of urban India. Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering, 12(36), 1-9
Rankin, W.J. (2011). Minerals, Metals and Sustainability: Meeting Future Material Needs. Csiro Publishing, New Zealand
