EWaste: A Global Toxic Waste Dump

Every year anywhere from 20 to 50 million tons of EWaste is disposed of. This number is expected to increase to over 60 million by 2015.  It is extremely toxic and can lead to health problems with the kidneys, bleeding, and lead poisoning among others.  Studies have even shown direct links to problems with the central nervous system. 

 The health risks have only begun to be studied so it is likely that more linkages will be found with additional health issues or diseases. 

The challenge with this type of waste is that it appears to have no end. Consumers throughout the world have developed an appetite for cheap electronics.  There is less of a hassle and sometimes less of a cost associated with buying a new device than repairing the one you have.  This creates a crisis where everything from microwaves to cell phones are being thrown into our landfills. 

EWaste is a global epidemic caused by several factors.  Developing nations are continuing to increase their purchasing power with the growth of their middle class.  Countries like India have fully entered the technology world, as has China.  Additionally, countries like the United States and Europe are shipping their waste to Asian countries for disposal.  Many of these programs are portrayed as electronic recycling but in all actuality they are being dismantled and burned inappropriately and entire communities are suffering from health issues due to the lead and other toxic materials inside of the waste.  The more waste that we produce globally, the worst this problem will become.  We cannot wait to identify solutions to our EWaste problems.  The time is now, and we must act as a global society to solve the issue. Otherwise people groups and the planet will suffer.  

Like most problems, the solution starts at a hyper-local level.  Reducing EWaste starts at home with a commitment to recycle old electronics, rather than throwing them away.  If you no longer have a need for a particular item, there is a good chance that someone else does. Green Tree Recycling has multiple programs in place for recycling electronics.  This is all done on a local level and is a convenient way for you to get rid of old electronics while keeping them out of the landfill. 

Here are several ways we can dispose of your EWaste responsibly:

Donations.  There are many shelters, non-profits, halfway houses and charitable organizations that need used appliances.  A dated refrigerator may not look good in your newly remodeled kitchen, but it will do wonders for a shelter in need of additional food storage.  We work with many deserving organizations. 

Schools.  The team at Green Tree Recycling is committed to making a difference in our local public schools.  We believe that every child should be able to access and learn on a computer.  By gathering old computers that businesses and individuals no longer need, we can supply schools with the equipment necessary to educate the children in our communities. 

To learn more about the EWaste problem and how you can keep things out of landfills, contact Green Tree Recycling today.

New Trends in Electronic Recycling

People throughout the world are learning more about electronic recycling and the importance of keeping old electronics out of landfills.  Between 20 and 50 million tons of EWaste is disposed of on an annual basis.  This staggering number is set to grow as more and more consumers purchase new electronics and dispose of their old ones.  The cheaper they are to manufacture and sell, the more will be purchased, and as their value decreases they will continually be thrown away. 

The EWaste trend is growing to epidemic proportions when considering how toxic the waste actually is.  While electronic waste only makes up around 2 percent of the trash in America’s landfills, it represents 70 percent of the toxic waste.  This number is also deceiving since many electronics are shipped overseas for disposal.  

The lead inside of electronics like cell phones is so toxic that it has been known to cause damage to a persons’ blood, nervous system, and kidneys. Bad electronic recycling programs in Asia have been known to create health problems for entire population groups after the electronics are improperly disposed of.  In the U.S. we need to be aware of these issues in order to protect ourselves, our families, and impoverished people worldwide.  No one should have to dispose of our toxic waste for us. 

Fortunately, as more people become aware of the problem they are able to do something about it and electronic recycling is growing in popularity. In order for e-recycling to work, people need to work with local companies that they can trust.  Otherwise, your waste may end up in a family’s backyard somewhere in Asia, per the current international trends. 

Here are some tips for electronic recycling, the sustainable way:

Donate to a local shelter.  There are domestic violence and homeless shelters that can use a variety of electronics for their day programs.  Many of these organizations provide assistance beyond a place to sleep, and a used computer can be a way for people to apply for jobs or look for housing. 

School programs. Green Tree Recycling works with local public schools to make sure that children of all socioeconomic standings are able to access and learn on a computer.  This is essential for ensuring that they are in line with their peers when graduating.  The lack of, or limited, computer skills is simply not an option in today’s modern world. 

Goodwill.  The local Goodwill or thrift shop will happily take old electronics to sell.  They make a profit, but the funds are put to good use by supporting their charity work.  Interview different companies to find out how much of the proceeds go back into programs and what is spent on overhead. 

Craigslist.  You can donate your old refrigerator, microwave, washer and more on craigslist or another online forum.  People that are handy may want the unit even if it is not working.  This will keep more household electronic items out of the landfill. 

You can make a difference in how much toxic waste enters our environment. Start your own electronic recycling program at home by making a commitment never to throw an electronic away.  Call Green Tree Recycling to learn more about our local recycling programs.