E-WASTE: ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATIONAND RESEARCH

“E-waste” is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing theend of their “useful life”. This includes discarded computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos,copiers, fax machines, electric lamps, cell phones, audio equipment and batteries. Ewastesare considered dangerous, as certain components of some of these electronicproducts contain materials; such as lead; that are hazardous, depending on their conditionand density. If improperly disposed, E-wastes can leach lead and other substances intosoil and groundwater posing a threat to human health and environment. Many of theseelectronic products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled in an environmentally soundmanner so that they are less harmful to the ecosystem. This paper highlights the typesand hazards of E-wastes particularly the computers’ waste. The dimensions andethicality of the problem in the third-world countries are reviewed. The needs for theappropriate management of E-waste and options that can be implemented are discussed.After reviewing the Islamic concepts for environmental protection, ethical implicationsfor curriculum development as well research directions are highlighted. Elements for acourse on e-waste as well as some across-the-curriculum topics are proposed. This isspecially tailored to suit the Faculty of Engineering at the International Islamic University-Malaysia.