Electronic waste: only few people know how to handle it!
Electronic waste means discarded electrical or electronic devices. Nowadays, people buy electronics more than ever! They are not expensive and perpetual upgrades move them to replace old ones! How to deal with this worldwide issue? Read more.
There are numerous computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and print machines discarded on abandoned sheds! Most people don't know what to do with such garbage!
One way out could be refurbishing or recycling some of them. The problem is most of the electronic waste has toxic substances that are hazardous to human health as well to the environment.
Electronic waste may also contaminate the waterbeds by reaching their undergrounds. Ultimately, its toxic substances reach crops, forests, as well as rivers, lakes, and seas.
Generally, the life cycle of electronic products is limited. Therefore, there are some specific segments that can handle this problem.
Trained professionals are the only ones who can collect and select electronic waste!
The electronic waste management process mandatory steps:
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Specialized employees are the only ones who are prepared to dismantle the discarded appliances in order to classify their components.
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After that, the toxic classification does start.
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Neutralization of device toxicity and its various physicochemical processes take place.
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Devices classified as "no risks", are then reprocessed and their raw material will be used on new productions.
- Reduce your generation of e-waste through smart procurement and good maintenance.
- Reuse still functioning electronic equipment by donating or selling it to someone who can still use it.
- Recycle those products that cannot be repaired. Computer monitors, televisions and other electronic equipment should NOT be disposed of with regular garbage, as this is illegal in California.
If you can do nothing to recover your old electronics, throw it in the right trash! Otherwise, you will be thrown there!
“In our society, we always have to have the new, best product,” said Aaron Blum, the co-founder, and chief operating officer of ERI, on a tour of the facility.
Americans spent more than $80 billion on telephone and communication equipment. It is nearly five times what they spent back in 2010!
Apple alone sold more than 70 million iPhones domestically last year, according to Counterpoint Research. The fact is that when we buy something new, we get rid of what’s old.
That cycle of consumption has made electronics waste the world’s fastest-growing solid-waste stream.
One last issue to get worried with: that stream is expected to turn into a torrent as the world upgrades to 5G, the next big step in wireless technology! The problem is that experts say it will also result in a dramatic increase in electronic waste, as millions of smartphones, modems and other gadgets incompatible with 5G networks are made obsolete.