Digital Detox: Reducing E-Waste Through Sustainable Technology Practices

Abstract—E-waste disposal is presently an important concern throughout the globe due to rapid technological advancement and increased disposal of electronic items. These lead to pollution of the environment, health hazards, and wastage of resources due to their improper management. Traditional waste disposal methods are inadequate in addressing such issues, hence the need to have sophisticated technologies. The convergence of cloud computing and Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging strategy to facilitate real-time monitoring, auto-sorting, and data-driven decision-making for waste management. This paper is an overview of IoT-based e-waste management processes, ranging from smart bin technology to machine learning-based sorting and cloud-based waste analytics. It addresses regulatory frameworks, urban mining opportunities, and socio-economic implications, as well as issues of scalability of infrastructure, data protection, and economic feasibility. Innovative solutions like blockchain-based tracing and AI-driven analytics are also covered for their potential to make e-waste treatment more efficient. The research underscores the application of circular economy concepts in managing e-waste to ensure sustainable resource use and recycling. This paper seeks to inform researchers, policymakers, and business stakeholders in creating effective and sustainable e-waste management systems through the identification of major constraints and new opportunities. The results call for an interdisciplinary approach in formulating a scalable framework in support of international sustainability objectives