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A Look at E-waste Recycling

What is it?

Electronic waste (E-waste) is the fastest growing category of trash today. Much of this growth can be attributed to the digital age in which cell phones, printers, scanners, watches, tablets, and computers are a necessity of everyday life. As technology becomes more advanced and consumers scramble to get their hands on the latest device, dated electronics commonly end up in the landfill. Once discarded, these items present a very complex and hazardous challenge of proper disposal. E-waste frequently contains toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, beryllium, and mercury. Taken together, the electronic detritus poses considerable risks to the health of human beings and the environment. 

“In the US alone, some 14 to 20 million PCs are thrown out every year. In the EU the volume of E-waste is expected to increase by 3 to 5 per cent a year. Developing countries are expected to triple their output of E-waste by 2010.” - United Nations Environment Program (2006)

A deadly disposal

Conventional landfill disposal is not a viable option when it comes to electronic waste. When components are crushed and compacted in the multiple layers of a landfill, toxic material begins to leak out and risks potentially deadly infiltrations into the earth. These same toxins are also emitted into the atmosphere and cause harm to workers, homeowners, and animals.

How is recycling done?

As computers and other digital items age, consumers and businesses naturally need to upgrade and pass on the older items. This is done in a variety of ways:

• Donations: The truth of the matter is that many of the electronics replaced by Americans still function to a useful extent. Items that operate can be donated to organizations and schools to be repurposed. This is similar to the passing of older-generation phones down a family tree when a parent upgrades their device. Donations seem like selfless charity work, but keep in mind that donating an electronic that is far from functional only imposes a burden on the recipient.
• Electronics that are missing components, no longer work, or have suffered damage are categorized as waste and will require proper disposal to avoid any diversion into a landfill at all costs.  
• An increasing number of manufacturers are beginning to offer consumers rebates and cash payments as an incentive to trade in their own devices. This benefits the manufacturer as it allows the salvage of parts and components that may still be of value. The consumer and waste management district both benefit from having trash and electronic litter taken off their hands.
• A number of third-party companies have emerged to combat the issue of E-waste disposal. These businesses operate based on a model that capitalizes on the growing need for electronic waste recycling. This is all done for a fee, of course.

As of 2015, 25 states have governing laws that address E-waste disposal, while a number of entities continue to provide education, recommendations, and guidance to consumers on E-waste’s risks and the next steps toward fixing the problem.