Electronic waste is discarded electrical or electronic devices. Often electronics which have reached the end of their life cycle land in this category such as mobile phones and outdated laptops, televisions, or desktop computers. Devices which are to be reused, resold, recycled, or disposed off are also considered to be electronic waste. The rise in electronic waste is largely a result in the change in our everyday lifestyles. In fact, 46 percent of consumers plan to upgrade their phones as soon as their mobile cell phone company allows them to do so without penalties. Additionally, most households will purchase a new television set within only five years. The accumulation of electronic waste can be curbed by ensuring that we manage electronic waste properly by disposing and recycling with more intent and purpose.
How is it caused?
Our rapidly-developing technological world causes much electronic waste. With the latest developments in technology, we have progressive and advanced electronic products hitting the market regularly every day throughout the year. The craze to acquire and possess only the latest gadgets leads to the quick disposal of older devices, even if they are in working condition.
Recycling seems to be a sensible option for handling our electronic waste but it is often a more in-depth process than it is to recycle paper and scrap metal. Electronics are not designed in such a way that can be easily recycled like cardboard or aluminum metal. Very often, trying to recycle electronic waste in a proper and safe manner can prove to be more expensive than the cost of the materials. Even recycling leads to electronic waste piling up in landfills.
The Impact of Electronic Waste on the Environment
Every year, a total of 20-50 million metric tons of electronic waste is produced globally. Developing countries like India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam and the Philippines have informal recycling markets where they handle 50-80 percent of this electronic waste. These countries use methods like shredding, dismantling and burning to dispose of the products.
The unconventional methods used in the disposal of these products has posed numerous health hazards and damage to the environment. These developing countries, due to their growing economies, end up having to handle waste from developed countries as well as from their own internal customers. Even proper recycling of electronic waste ends up mostly in landfills.
An area in Hong Kong that deals in illegal electronic waste recycling is now facing severe water shortage problems. The toxic substances from the waste has unfortunately seeped into the groundwater and nearby streams.
The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) has estimated that from years 2007 to 2020 electronic waste from computers will increase by up to five times and from cell phones up to eighteen times.
Electronic Waste’s Impact on Our health
The methods used in disposing electronic waste in developing countries have caused many health issues. Direct contact with the harmful emissions from the burning of these kinds of electronic waste is dangerous.
Electronic waste can also produce dangerous by-products while being processed. The greatest threat is faced by children, who during their growing age have higher levels of chemical absorption. Due to perilous recycling practices, many children and adults are exposed to these materials which cause severe health problems.
Solving the Problem of Electronic Waste
There are many laws and regulations in place to curb the rise of electronic waste and they are seemingly working to our benefit. The first step in solving this issue would be to increase awareness. Imparting adequate information and educating people about how their actions affect the environment play a key role in curbing electronic waste and disposing of it properly.
Industries can control waste management right at the source. They should be able to identify techniques which lead to minimal wastage and adopt a sustainable product design. Reducing the volume of products generated, recovering, and reusing certain products can also lead to easier management of electronic waste.
Many times electronics just lay around without being properly used as they are not sure how to manage it. This discarded and untouched electronic waste slowly finds it way into household waste and are unfortunately not disposed off properly. Most of the electronics we use contain high levels of mercury and lead, which on disintegration pollute the soil and the environment. Information and education on how to use or manage these electronics will assist in the management of electronic waste.
Developing countries face the highest risk of health and environmental problems, as they receive the used electronics from developed countries. Once these products reach them, very minimal methods of recycling or disposal are observed. The recycling of these products take place under very low adherence to health protocols.
Visit your local South Florida recycling center to learn about how you can help raise awareness about electronic waste.
