E-waste refers to electronic products nearing the end of their "useful life", for example, computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled.

According to UN studies, in 2016, 44.7 million metric tonnes of e-waste were generated, in which 40.7% of world e-waste was generated in Asia.

The hazardous constituents in e-waste are heavy metals like lead, cadmium and mercury, polychlorinated-bi-phenyl (PCB), brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and chromium (VI).

Certain components of some electronic products contain materials that render them hazardous, depending on their condition and density. For instance, California law currently views nonfunctioning cathode ray tubes (CRT) from televisions and monitors as hazardous.

• Reduce your generation of e-waste through smart procurement and good maintenance.

• Reuse still functioning electronic equipment by donating or selling it to someone who can still use it.

• Recycle those products that cannot be repaired. Computer monitors, televisions and other electronic equipment should NOT be disposed of with regular garbage, as this is illegal in California. To find an organization that will manage your electronics for recycling, search the directory.

Almost any product with a circuit board is now banned from the landfill and considered universal waste and, as such, requires special handling. Like used motor oil and paint, universal waste is a kind of hazardous waste. It is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage. These products contain toxic substances, such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. Mercury, released into the environment through the improper disposal of mercury-containing products, is a known neurotoxin.