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.
