The Growing E-Waste Problem

EwasteBlogE-Waste(Electronic Waste) is obsolete, broken, or surplus electronics that are discarded in the trash.  E-Waste is the fastest growing component of municipal waste in the world, with between 20 and 50 million tons generated annually and that amount is climbing rapidly every year. One of the largest problems with E-Waste is the toxic metals contained in much of it. These metals include lead, mercury and cadmium, all of which pose large health risks. Besides toxic metals, there are also large quantities of precious and rare metals such as gold, silver, copper, and palladium. These metals require enormous amounts of carbon dioxide to mine and they are just being thrown away by people.

The largest components of E-waste are computers, cell phones, tvs, printers, digital music players and digital cameras.  Many of the over 1 billion cell phones bought in 2007 are thrown away or improperly stripped of their precious metals. In 10 years the amount of computer waste will grow 400 percent in South Africa and China, and 500 percent in India. The United States alone produces the most E-Waste of all at 3 million tons a year.

So what can be done to help reduce the problem? Well it seems the greatest challenge is getting old electronics to proper recycling centers. Many consumers are unaware of the growing problem of E-Waste and all of the dangers it presents.

Manufactures are also being held accountable to an extent in some countries in helping recycle their products. There are many manufactures and stores that will take back old electronics and recycle them for free or for a small fee. In the case of a fee being charged, many of these stores will offer a dollar for dollar credit towards the purchase of newer goods.

Recycling Options

For the Chicago and Illinois readers here is a link to the Illinois EPA that lists where and how to dispose of old electronics. Illinois EPA

Also check out the Plug-In To eCylcing program at the EPA.

Donate Instead

For those of you wanted to donate your old phones to be reused instead of recycling them there are numerous places to do so such as:

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Donate A Phone

Cell Phones for Soldiers

More Information On E-Waste

ARS Technica

VOA News