You need to be aware of some simple facts e-waste to become a better environmentalist.
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Understanding the importance of recycling electronic waste is crucial, as nearly all electronic devices can undergo recycling, leading to substantial environmental and economic advantages. This process enables the reuse of valuable components, preventing the leakage of toxic chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium into water and soil when electronics are disposed of in landfills. However, it’s concerning that the majority of electronic waste worldwide remains unrecycled, despite surveys consistently showing that Americans are strong proponents of recycling practices.
We need to educate the public about what can be recycled.
Many people must be aware that they can recycle their old devices.
The following electronic devices can be recycled:
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- DVD Players
- Xbox Players
- Other Electronics
Cans, paper, and plastics can all be recycled. Many people are unaware of the dangers involved in throwing these items away.
We can all improve the recycling of e-waste by doing two things:
- Recycling electronics that you no longer need or want should become a habit.
- Help others learn about the importance and benefits of recycling electronic waste. It all starts with educating yourself on e-waste.
Why is recycling E-Waste important?
E-waste includes any electronic products that people want to throw away. Unfortunately, many people do not recycle their electronic products.
They may be surprised at the value of their old laptop or cell phone. Your old electronics are worth gold – literally.
It is estimated that 100 tons of smartphones contain more gold than 100 tons of gold ore used to create new metals.
In 2016, however, 435,000 tons of mobile phones, along with other precious materials such as silver, copper, and platinum, were thrown out.
This is the same as throwing out your old piggy banks with money in them.
E-waste, however, is more than just a valuable product when it comes time to recycle. This product is responsible for 70% of all hazardous waste in landfills.
The amount of electronic waste sent to landfills and incinerators for burning is alarming.
We burrow ourselves under a massive mountain of electronic waste each year as consumers replace their devices more often than ever. This puts a lot of pressure on the environment, our health, and our well-being.
In 2017, 1.46 billion smartphones have been sold. In 2020, this number could reach 2.87 billion.
As the Internet of Things continues to extend Internet connectivity beyond standard devices such as laptops and smartphones to everyday objects and non-internet-enabled appliances, up to 50 billion devices could be networked within a few short years.
- We must first recognize the problem and then do what we can to improve it.
- Recycling all unwanted electronics is the best way to protect our environment from hazardous waste.
- Knowledge is power. Knowledge is power. The more you learn about e-waste and how to help, the better you can educate others.
- These 15 facts about e-waste will help you to prepare for the long-term discussion.
15 E-Waste Facts Everyone Needs to Know
1. Data Security is a Concern
Hackers are often targeting businesses and individuals. The easiest way to accomplish this is by stealing the data from your old cell phone, computer, or laptop. According to studies, cybercrime costs companies an average of $11.7 million annually. Your data is not destroyed when you delete it; it just becomes hidden. Your data is still alive and can quickly be recovered.
2. Recycling Firms Are Security Experts
Companies can destroy your data securely on hard drives, smartphones, and other devices. Recycling companies can remove all personal information from your old electronics by taking them to their facility. You will also receive a full report of the destruction of your data.
3. Incineration Doesn’t Work
In some developing nations, incinerating e-waste is the “solution” for rising e-waste. This is a recipe for disaster. As e-waste is heated, toxic chemicals are released, damaging the environment and causing respiratory problems. E-waste is responsible for several environmental issues, including the destruction of our atmosphere.
4. Small devices are a problem.
Not only large items like televisions and computer monitors are considered problematic. Researchers analyzed the contents of e-waste generated in 2016 and found that nearly half of it was small devices such as smartphones and tablets. Just 20% of e-waste was made up of large electronic devices. In the coming years, smaller devices are expected to make up a significant portion of e-waste as millions of older cell phones and smartphone models are replaced.
5. Making New products
E-waste parts can be reused to make a wide range of products. Plastics can be used to make garden furniture. Metals are used in everything from jewelry and automotive parts to building materials. Batteries can be re-used to make new batteries.
6. Who is the largest producer of e-waste in the world?
The United States produces the most e-waste per year. In 2014, the United States produced 11.7 million tons of electronic waste.
7. Energy Savings
Recycling e-waste can help you recycling is a much more energy-efficient method than mining virgin ore for new metals. Recycling a million laptops can save the energy equivalent to that required to power 3,657 households for a year.
8. The use of mobile phones is on the rise
More mobile phones exist than there are people on earth. According to the number of SIM cards currently in use, there are estimated to be more than 7.2 billion mobile devices compared to fewer than 7.2 million people on Earth. Mobile devices are increasing faster than Earth’s population.
9. Millions of dollars are lost
Electronic devices are rich in valuable raw materials such as gold, silver, copper, and nickel. These can be removed and sold to companies that create new products. The materials are lost if e-waste goes to landfills. In 2016, it was estimated that the value of materials in e-waste totaled $65 billion.
10. Losing Heavy Metals
Electronic waste can contain up to 40% of heavy metals in landfills across the United States. We can’t use those metals if we don’t recycle them. Manufacturers must mine virgin ore, which is a much more expensive process.
11. Circuit Board Risks
Brominated flame retardants are found in plastic casings and circuit boards. They can be hazardous. Long-term landfill exposure can cause memory and learning impairments.
12. Lead Poisoning
Toxic substance found in e-waste. Lead poisoning can lead to cognitive and verbal impairments. Long-term exposure to lead can cause paralysis or coma.
13. Low Recycling Rates
Only 15 to 20 percent of the e-waste generated worldwide is recycled.
14. Recycling creates jobs
Recycling generates jobs. According to estimates, recycling computers can generate 296 jobs yearly for every 10,000 tons of computer scrap processed. Recycling is a growing industry that creates hundreds of thousands of jobs worldwide.
15. Staying at Home
China no longer accepts certain e-waste imported from the U.S., so there is more e-waste in America. This opens up the possibility to increase recycling rates and turn more of the valuable material within them over into the circular economy.
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Conclusion of E-Waste Facts
We all need to do our part in solving the e-waste problem. Remind everyone you know to educate themselves about e-waste and to recycle their old electronics at a reputable e-waste recycler, such as eCycle Florida.
eCycle Florida has years of experience in environmentally friendly recycling of electronic products.
eCycle Florida disassembles these items into parts. The ones with value can still be sold. Metals are recovered from other regions. All aspects of your device are recycled.
If you live in Florida, eCycle Florida, an R2 certified electronics recycling company, provides a drop-off area for residents and a pick up service for businesses. These services are available in:
It would save tons of energy each year if everyone disposed of all their electronics properly, which would result in a healthier planet.
eCycle offers a multitude of industries such as:
Contact eCycle Today to get more information on all your eCycle needs and check out our 5-star reviews!