What is a major challenge associated with e-waste disposal?

A major challenge associated with e-waste disposal is the presence of hazardous materials like heavy metals. Electronic waste often contains substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. These materials pose significant environmental and health risks if not disposed of properly. When e-waste ends up in landfills, these hazardous components can leach into the soil and groundwater, leading to pollution and potential harm to ecosystems and human health.

Addressing e-waste disposal effectively requires specialized recycling processes that can safely extract and manage these dangerous materials, ensuring that they do not harm the environment. This challenge highlights the importance of proper e-waste recycling programs and public awareness about responsible disposal practices.