Date of Award

12-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Science

First Advisor

Dr. Mohamad Mostafa Ahmed Mohamed

Second Advisor

Dr. Rezaul Choudhry

Third Advisor

Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ammar

Abstract

E-waste is a term used to describe electrical and electronic products that enter the waste stream. Currently, it is the fastest growing stream of municipal waste. Informal disposal of E-waste may cause serious health and pollution problems to humans as well as the environment. Although E-waste may represent less than 5% of the total waste discarded into landfills, yet it includes more than 70% of overall toxic waste. Not only the exact amount of E-waste generated in the UAE is unknown, but it is continuously increasing with the advent of new electronic products. Therefore, the main aim of this thesis is to assess the current and future quantities of E-waste in Abu Dhabi emirate. A questionnaire was developed to estimate the generated E-waste quantities for three products; namely, laptops, desktops and mobile phones. Copies of this questionnaire have been distributed to the public in Al-Ain and Abu Dhabi cities to collect data about the E- waste. This data was used to estimate the current and future quantities of E-waste. The estimated quantities of generated E-waste in Abu Dhabi are for three products 1,151,000 mobile phones, 464,000 laptops, and 300,000 desktops. The future quantities of E-waste are predicted based on the life span of each product. They were estimated to be 827,000 laptops, 223,000 desktops, and 1,618,000 mobile phones. The results also indicated that 78% of residents in Abu Dhabi are aware of the adverse effects of E-waste and they are ready to dispose E-waste in an environmental friendly manner. This study will help government and agencies to plan for E-waste management based on the estimated quantities of E-waste.

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