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| E-waste landfill Source: ewasteguide.info |
What happens to your old
electronics after you’re done using them?
It can be easy to get swept up in the newest technology trends, without
thinking about what happens to your old devices. But, proper disposal of IT is an important component
of Green IT.
“Technotrash” or “E-Waste”
are terms used for unwanted or broken electronic devices. Since the 1950’s, many companies have been
following a trend of “planned obsolescence.”
In her online documentary, The Story of Stuff, Annie Leonard explains, “In order to increase consumption,
they specifically produce products that are designed to become useless as
quickly as possible, so we will go buy new ones. It’s obvious with stuff such as plastic bags
and coffee cups, but now … [it’s even happening with] computers.” As consumers, we have become so accustom to
having the newest gadget that we readily dispose of our old electronics in
favor of new ones.
The UN Environmental Program (“UNEP”) found that nearly 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste was generated globally in 2012. According to their report, Waste, “Electrical and electronic equipment containing new and
complex hazardous substances presents the fastest-growing challenge in both
developed and developing countries.”
While it may be easy to ignore the issue once
the devices are out of our sight, one of the biggest challenges with e-waste is
the fact that electronics contain many toxic chemicals. Phones and computers are comprised of
high-tech parts made up of toxic substances including flame retardants, PVC, and
bromine, as well as heavy metals such as lead, chromium, and mercury. When we do not take the time to recycle these
devices, they typically end up in landfills or incinerators, releasing heavy
metals into our land, water, and air.
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| Effects of e-waste on the human body Source: Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition |
In well-maintained landfills,
these chemicals might not initially become a large problem while special liners
are used and protective measures are taken.
However, the European Environment Agency estimates that every year, between
250,000 tonnes and 1.3m tonnes of used electronic products are shipped out of
the EU alone, to developing countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Many countries in these regions do not have
the capacity to dispose of the e-waste properly. Poor disposal methods can harm the health of
the local people and their environment.
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| Source: notenoughgood.com |
Even if you do not care about technotrash’s impact
on people or the planet, it’s still important to dispose of it properly. The high consumption level of electronics,
combined with a failure to recycle them is leading to shortages of critical
“rare earths”. Rare earths are group of
17 natural elements, including lanthanum, neodymium, gadolinium, cerium, and
erbium. Despite their name, they are actually
quite common, however they are typically found in quantities that are too small
to extract economically. Recycling and
reusing devices is one way to help conserve resources such as these. Check out this article from Columbia for
more information about rare earths.
What can you do? If you’re looking for easy ways to make an
impact, search no further!
Recycle! Instead of just throwing away your devices,
take the time to find out what companies have “takeback programs” to recycle
their old products. Check out this site
for more details on some of the major electronics companies and their programs.
Stop and Think!
Before discarding your old phone or laptop, take the time to decide whether you
really need a new one. Is your device
really worn out, or are you falling for planned obsolescence?
Spread the Word! Let your friends and family know the importance of recycling
electronics and help reduce the amount of e-waste we produce annually.
Wow! Awesome post. You really inspired me.
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