Electrical waste is the electrical appliances whose lifespan has come to end. These appliances include cell phones, washing machines, TVs, computers, refrigerators, and microwaves. Electronics have ferrous and non-ferrous metals, circuit boards, glass, plastics, wood, ceramic, rubber, etc. Electronic waste is fast becoming a huge environmental problem throughout the world and that’s why we need electronic waste recycling.
Before we talk about the need for recycling, it’s good to mention that electronic waste mainly contains iron and steel, which account for 50 percent. There are also non-ferrous metals that account for about 13 percent. Non-ferrous metals include copper, aluminum, and plastic accounting for about 21 percent. Electronic waste also has precious metals like gold, platinum, palladium, silver, etc.
The Need For Electronic Waste Recycling
Electronic Waste Health Hazard
Land-filling and illegal dumping of electronic waste contributes to harmful chemicals in our environment. Some of the methods utilized to recycle this waste include burning and acid dissolution. However, very few measures are put in place to protect human health and the environment.
Workers and consumers suffer exposure to toxic chemicals in electronics all their life. Workers are also involved in unprotected handling of electronic waste, which makes them suffer health issues through skin contact and inhalation. These workers are usually reported to have blood containing high levels of flame retardants due to direct exposure and inhalation of contaminated air.
Electronic Waste Management
Electronic waste also contains many different toxic elements such as lead, mercury, arsenic, selenium, and chromium. Unlike municipal and industrial waste, electronic waste requires special handling methods due to the presence of expensive, toxic, and valuable materials. Proper electronic waste management requires the use of effective efforts to recover base and reusable components, particularly copper and metals. However, due to insufficient recycling facilities, strict environmental regulations, and high labor costs, numerous countries are resorting to landfills or export to dispose of electronic waste.
We generate millions of electronic waste annually and a significant amount of it ends up in dumpsites and landfills. Research shows that only about 20 perfect of this waste is recycled and the rest dumped, especially in developing countries.
Sometimes upgrading existing electronic equipment isn’t possible. In that case, you may consider donating the equipment to charity. Several families around the world would love to receive a piece of the latest innovation in technology. Some organizations receive donations of electronic items and then redistribute them to the needy. Others have thrift stores where people can get gently used appliances for a small retail cost.
Electronic Waste Management For Businesses
It’s not a good idea for a business to dispose of old electronic equipment. Avoid replacing items such as printers every time they fail to operate as that can be very expensive. Mostly, these electronic items have few moving parts to break down. You can have most of them fixed and continue operating. You just need to find an experienced technician.
Benefits of Recycling Electronic Waste
Electronic waste recycling provides a better option for disposing of e-waste. Recycling helps in the conservation of our natural resources. As we mentioned earlier, electronics contain precious constituents like copper, aluminum, and gold which can be reused to make new products, which will conserve natural resources. Additionally, recycling helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Using recycled materials generally helps cut down energy consumption. When less energy is utilized, fewer greenhouse gases are emitted. Recycling also helps protect the environment and improves our health. A small number of toxic substances contained in the electronic waste can find their way into the water, soil, and air, which can be very hazardous. Recycling protects the environment and our well-being by keeping these toxins away from dumpsites and landfills.
Conclusion
The production of electronics is increasing as technology continues to advance. There’s a need for electronic waste recycling to reduce landfills and dumpsites. Fortunately, many companies are dedicated to keeping our environment and health safe by recycling these items.
