Fig. 1 shows an e-waste sorting yard in Accra, Ghana. Used phones and computers arrive from households and businesses. Workers remove reusable components, b...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows an e-waste sorting yard in Accra, Ghana. Used phones and computers arrive from households and businesses. Workers remove reusable components, but some cables are burned to recover metals. A recycling company has proposed a safer processing centre that would buy material from collectors. The case study raises questions about global consumption and the transfer of waste.
Identify one electronic item shown in Fig. 1. [1]
Identify two valuable materials that may be recovered from electronic waste. [2]
Identify one health risk from burning plastic-covered cables. [1]
Identify two ways a formal recycling centre could improve conditions for workers. [2]
Answer Details
(a) An electronic item shown is a mobile phone. A computer or monitor is also acceptable. [1]
(b) Valuable materials recovered from e-waste can include:
- copper;
- gold.
Aluminium, steel and rare earth metals are also valid. [2]
(c) Burning plastic-covered cables produces toxic smoke, which can cause breathing problems or expose workers to harmful chemicals. [1]
(d) A formal recycling centre could improve conditions by:
- providing protective equipment for workers;
- using enclosed mechanical processing instead of open burning.
This reduces toxic smoke; safer paid employment and safe disposal of residues are also valid. [2]
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