How do I dispose of e-waste? Before we discuss how to dispose of e-waste, you should know what e-waste is. E-waste is also known as electronic waste and is considered any electronic device close to, or that has reached the end of its life. This can include devices such as office equipment and even treadmills. Every year, 50 million tons of e-waste is initiated all over the world. However, 17% of the waste is recycled. Continue reading to learn about some of the benefits of recycling e-waste and how to properly dispose of it.
HowTo Dispose of E-waste
E-waste is considered smartphones, circuit boards, hard drives, laptops, desktop computers, servers, routers, computer monitors, cords, cables, and much more.
Once electronics can no longer be used, they are considered e-waste. This can be due to the electronic device being broken or replaced with an updated model. It may also simply mean that the consumer no longer needs the device.
What is the best way to dispose of e-waste? Take advantage of a recycling service that specializes in electronics. Many e-waste recycling centers offer free onsite pickup if you are a business, medical facility, office, school, data center, or other municipality.
These companies also offer free hard drive shredding, hard drive data destruction, and electronic drop-offs.
What Are the Benefits of Recycling E-waste?
E-waste is typically recycled to reduce the effects it can have on the environment. Once e-waste has been recycled correctly, hazardous materials within the devices can then be taken out, thus preventing them from polluting the environment.
Furthermore, recycling e-waste can preserve natural resources by recovering glass, steel, aluminum, gold, silver, and copper, all of which can be reused. Recycling can also minimize the amount of space that landfills use to keep electronics.
What Happens if E-Waste Is Not Properly Disposed of?
Everyday electronics can become harmful to the environment if they are not disposed of correctly, as well as to wildlife and humans. Many electronic devices contain hazardous materials such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and beryllium, all of which can be discharged into the air, water, and soil. However, this can only occur if the devices are not correctly disposed of.
Burning or burying e-waste in landfills allows their hazardous materials to turn into sludge which can then contaminate nearby water and soil.
Lead and other hazardous materials are not found in the water directly beneath the landfills. It can also be found in drinking water up to 3 miles or farther from the landfill. This can cause harm to wildlife and plantlife, and even cause neurological and physical issues for those who come in contact with the toxic water.