UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Electronic waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment and their components. Items like mobile phones, laptops, monitors and printed circuit boards often contain heavy metals and hazardous substances. Improper disposal can contaminate soil and water and expose workers to toxic materials. Therefore, discarded mobile phones and computer motherboards are typical examples of e-waste.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because vegetable peels are biodegradable organic waste, usually suitable for composting. They do not contain the electronic components associated with e-waste.

Option B:
Option B is correct since mobile phones and motherboards clearly fall into the category of obsolete electronic equipment. Their safe recycling requires specialised processes to recover valuable metals and manage toxins.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as bricks and concrete are construction and demolition waste. While bulky, they lack the electronic circuits and hazardous metals that define e-waste.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because garden leaves are green waste that can be composted or mulched. They do not pose the same toxic risks as discarded electronics.