Electronic waste is a fast-growing problem.
Because of the speed that technology is improving, older phone models, laptops, gaming systems, and other electronic products are a growing problem in landfills.
Why is electronic waste a problem?
The more electronic devices we have, the more we produce electronic waste. Just look at the data on how many cell phones are in a typical American household.
The cell phone industry alone generates thousands of tons of electronic waste every year.
How does electronic waste end up in our landfills? It all boils down to a straightforward answer: People don’t know how to recycle their electronic waste.
And it’s getting worse by the day.
One of the reasons we have a problem with the amount of electronic waste being produced is that we don’t take the issue seriously.
The electronic waste problem doesn’t get the attention it deserves from businesses and public officials.
And this lack of interest by officials and business is a huge reason why so much waste is produced in the first place. Simply put, there isn’t enough money to be made from electronic waste disposal.
Another reason why this is a huge problem is because it negatively affects the environment. Many feel that the issue of electronic waste management should be taken much more seriously.
Environmental laws have been passed to protect the environment and help businesses stop the production of a significant amount of waste.
Unfortunately, these laws only go so far because many industries disregard them.
So, what are some of the electronic waste solutions? One solution is to make sure you recycle old electronics overall.
Reasons for The Need of Complete Electronics Waste Recycling
Many electronic products contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, and others. When these products are tossed into a landfill, the harmful chemicals leach out and pollute the soil, groundwater, and air.
Electronic substances are not only pollutants; they can also be dangerous to humans.
Many substances in electronics are carcinogens, including cadmium, lithium, and lead. Furthermore, the mercury they contain can also cause other health issues, including respiratory and skin disorders.
The electronic raw materials are valuable and can be reused. Recycling old devices saves energy and means fewer raw resources must be used to create new products.
Recycling means that raw materials can be repurposed into new products. This benefits the environment, and energy savings also translate into less pollution.
An EPA study estimates that 60 million tons of electronic waste are tossed into landfills around the globe annually. E-waste recycling can result in that figure being significantly reduced, which can, in turn, have a positive environmental impact.
By throwing away your electronics, you open yourself to security risks. The electronics you toss out may hold sensitive information and data. By disposing of your electronics properly and sending them for recycling, you ensure that your devices will be adequately cleared.
If you are disposing of electronics as a business rather than as an individual, you may be subject to legal requirements that regulate how you need to electronic debris removal. The electronic waste recycling allows you to get rid of electronic waste legally.
