People nowadays are buying more and more electronic products than ever. Latest, faster technology is being introduced continuously, which results in constant upgrades of electronic equipment. This means that after a certain time these models of computers, mobile phones, and gaming systems become obsolete and are regularly discarded. Electronic waste or e-waste is a terminology used to describe these now-undesirable electronic products and devices. Keep reading to learn more about e-waste disposal and why e-waste recycling is the best option for people and the planet. Although there are e waste recycling services that refurbish, recycle or safely dispose of these items, a large amount of e-waste still ends up in a landfill. Some official reports estimate that 60 percent of discarded electronics end up in the trash.
There are multiple reasons why you should reconsider throwing electronics in the trash.
Here we have discussed 4 reasons why you should choose recycling for e-waste management that may have a positive impact on your business and community the most.
Why is Recycling Of E-Waste Needed?
- Most old electronic devices contain toxic harmful substances that include lead, mercury, cadmium, beryllium, polyvinyl chloride, and chromium. When such a type of e-waste is tossed into landfills, these chemicals penetrate the soil, polluting the groundwater as well as the natural air.
- Electronic products are made of components that contain valuable raw materials. Recycling these old devices saves energy. It also means that a lesser amount of raw materials need to be drawn from nature to create new devices.
- Reusing old devices prevents e-waste by keeping it away from landfills. It can also save the resources used to recycle them. Additionally, reusing electronics helps other, less-fortunate people in your community. So take your old devices to the refurbishment center (if possible) and give them a new life.
- Finally, recycling e-waste saves the raw materials that can be repurposed by producing new devices. As a result, the overall energy is saved, pollution is reduced, and there are comparatively fewer greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere.
Some Simple Solutions For E-Waste Management
Want to know ways to safely get rid of your electronics? Here are a few options:
- Check with retailer stores: Some retailers will take back old electronic items you purchased at their stores, especially if you purchase new items to replace the disposed of ones. In India, retailers are willing to play an active role in ensuring electronics are recycled. On new purchases of electronic items, the government must start imposing an Electronic Waste Recycling Fee that is then used to pay for the recycling of specific products in the future.
- Donation to charities: If the product is in good condition, many charities and senior facilities accept useful electronic products as donations.
- Find a certified recycler: Government approves e-waste recyclers through a certification process. These sites accept various pieces of equipment, though it’s crucial to check with each site before dropping off electronics.
- Opt for a disposal service: Electronic waste disposal services are ideal for companies that have several pieces of outdated or unusable electronic equipment. This type of disposal service does the majority of work for you, from picking up the electronic equipment to ensuring it’s recycled properly or disposed of following all the standard local and national regulations.