Advancing sustainable electronic waste management: An overview of mechatronics solutions for health, environment, and...

The management of electronic waste (e-waste) has become gradually critical due to the quick growth in electronic device usage and the lack of satisfactory recycling setup. In 2022, global e-waste generation touched 62 billion kilograms, raising serious ecological and public health concerns. Toxic elements such as lead, mercury, and cadmium released from improperly handled e-waste can cause neurological damage, respiratory illnesses, and environmental degradation. This study highlights the pressing need for sustainable e-waste management practices and explores recent mechatronic innovations aimed at improving recycling efficiency and minimizing human exposure to hazardous substances. It examines the health and ecological impacts of current recycling methods and emphasizes the development of safer, more environmentally responsible alternatives. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art approaches to e-waste processing based on mechatronic principles, including automated sorting, material recovery, and pollution control technologies. It further reviews the application of robotic manipulators, advanced sensors, and modern automation tools for the efficient sorting and segregation of e-waste. By analysing diverse technological approaches, this work proposes a sustainable framework for recycling applications that enhances operational efficiency and reduce the detrimental effects on environment.