Electronic Waste Management: Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Advancements and Opportunities

Abstract

This paper examines the application of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in electronic waste management. The rapid expansion of the technology sector and the increase in demand for electronic devices, which as a result produced millions of tons of discarded electronic waste. Traditional disposal methods have become unsustainable and environmentally harmful. The integration of 4IR technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data can significantly improve the entire process of e-waste management, from collection and sorting to recycling. However, there is limited research that explores the application of 4IR technologies in e-waste management. This paper provides a comprehensive mapping of previous studies that have applied advanced ICT solutions and analyzes the advantages and challenges associated with these approaches. Furthermore, the paper proposes a recommended solution for e-waste management using 4IR technologies, emphasizing the importance of implementing a safe and intelligent e-waste collection method. The research showcases the potential of 4IR technologies to revolutionize e-waste management and contribute to a more sustainable future. The study examines prior work on the implementation of 4IR technologies in e-waste management and describes the current state of each technology in the context of ewaste management. The results of this mapping study showcase the potential of 4IR technologies in sustainable e-waste management.