According to a study by StEP Initiative, the volume of e-waste generated around the globe by 2017 will be around 66 million tons. The U.S leads the world in generation of electronic waste, with nearly 10 million tons generated each year and each American contributing around 66 pounds.
While the amount of waste generated from discarded computers, batteries, mobile phones, laptops and televisions is increasing at an exponential rate, we are lagging behind in having systems in place for the proper disposal — and, more importantly, the recycling — of these products. The good news is that half of the state governments in the U.S. recognize the enormity of the situation and have instituted electronics recycling laws.
At present, e-waste represents only 2 percent of the waste in American landfills but contributes disproportionately to the overall generation of toxic waste in America. The dumping of e-waste in landfills results in the leaching of harmful materials into the land. These include metals such as arsenic, lead, barium, cadmium and mercury; halogenated compounds such as CFCs and PVCs; and even radioactive materials such as Americium.
This often-toxic material becomes a part of the environment and enters the human food chain. Incineration, along with landfills, is a commonly used disposal technique for e-waste. However, burning plastics releases toxic dioxins and furans in the air, and incinerated metals release mercury and cadmium vapors in the air.
The export of e-waste from developed nations to countries in Africa and Asia is another method that does not satisfactorily address the issue of tackling electronic waste.
Recycling presents a partial solution to the problem. In the U.S, more than 100 million cellphones are junked each year. The case for recycling becomes really strong when we consider that 1 million recycled cellphones yield nearly 35,000 pounds of copper, 700 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium.
Recycling 1 million laptops can save energy that can be used to meet the annual electricity requirements of more than 3,600 American households. The environmental benefits of recycling become apparent when we consider that it takes 1.5 tons of water to manufacture a single computer and monitor.
A significant percentage of electronic equipment can be salvaged for reuse without stripping it for recycling or consigning it to waste. Donating used electronics is a good idea on more than one level.
By donating old electronic items to charities, you're doing your bit for society and also extending the useful life of these materials — potentially saving them from ending up in landfills. And if this isn't incentive enough, then know that your donations may get you tax deductions.
Contact a recycler in your locality, one that is certified by an accredited and independent auditor such as e-steward. A certified recycler handles used electronics products such that they do not harm the environment. Moreover, they also ensure that any data contained on the devices is destroyed. Many retail stores such as Staples, RadioShack and Home Depot partner with recyclers and accept used electronics items.
