What’s E-Waste?

As electronic usage continues to increase, everyone wants to get the newest model of laptops, mobile phones, and other digital devices to experience the latest innovative upgrades advertised by most manufacturers.

That is great because it is good to be updated. Unknowingly, your curiosity to get new electronics is potentially harming the environment because for any new device you buy, probably, the old one becomes ‘trash’ and goes straight to the landfills –that is the origin of E-waste.

E-waste is predominantly a term used to describe obsolete electronic devices that have reached the end of their ‘useful life’. Almost all the electronic items used in the last decade belongs to this category such as VCR’S, CD players, old models of TV’s, monitors, PDA’S, Fax machines, printers and more.

Data from EPA shows that more than 50 million metric tons of E-waste enter our landfills and these devices contain harmful materials such as Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, and Beryllium. The threat to our environment is significant because of the volume of these trace elements added to our landfills.

What are the specific examples of E-waste?

From the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) eCycling; E-waste includes but not limited to:

• Laptops
• Computer monitors
• Tablets
• Televisions
• Printers
• VCR’s
• Mobile devices
• PDA’s
• MP3 devices
• Games
• Audio equipment
• Keyboards etc.

The solution to our E-waste problem

Resolving the E-waste debacle should involve a multi-faceted approach by the Government, the private sector and the citizens. The solution must include the acceptance of the mantra “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Reduction

The reduction of E-waste could be achieved by enacting an effective old electronics buyback or return policy which offers incentives to manufacturers.

Tax break or rebates should also be offered to electronics manufacturing companies that repurpose or accept old equipment.

Recycle and Reuse

The Government should endeavor to collaborate with countries that have lower purchasing capacity to export recycled or reused electronics.

NGO’s should be involved in creating mini repair centers which will help in minimizing unemployment as well as achieving broader socio-economic goals.

Engaging the public through online and print media sensitization will be highly beneficial in achieving the electronic ‘reuse’ goals. People need to know the adverse effects which E-waste can cause to our environment so they could change from the throw-it-away attitude.

Reselling old electronics and equipment through online websites like eBay, Olx and Craiglist is another way to encourage the reuse of obsolete products.

Citizens from emerging economies where purchasing power is low also buy devices from those websites. For the reason of decongesting our landfills, we can take advantage of that to sell off our old electronics.

Recommended ways to discard E-waste

Depending on the rules and regulations guiding the disposal of E-waste in your state or county, you shouldn’t toss your Tv, laptop, VCR, printer and other equipment into the garbage bin.

Homeowners are expected to take old electronics and other gargets to drop off locations or collection events. You’re not supposed to drop E-waste in your garbage bins or waste dumpsters, if caught, you could be penalized.

Call experts at Starr Dumpsters if you have a home remodeling or renovation project or you have a lot of electronics to discard. We will guide you properly on how to go about it.