Electronic waste: Are you aware of the shocking facts?

The truth is that, despite the fact that most electronic waste is recyclable, we are falling short of the mark when it comes to tackling the growing problem of e-waste. An estimated 45 million tonnes of computer, television, mobile phone, and other electronic items are discarded every year according to the United Nations University. E-waste ends up in landfills, despite the fact that many of the materials could and should be recycled.

Sadly, there are plenty more statistics, facts and figures that demonstrate how e-waste affects the world in a negative way. In this blog, we'll examine the factors that cause e-waste and its effects, as well as the importance of ozone-friendly recycling of computer equipment.

Growing e-waste problem: The facts and figures

It's impossible to get rid of waste. We throw everything away, and it has to go somewhere. - Annie Leonard

·       The global amount of e-waste generated in 2014 was approximately 41.8 million tonnes. Around 49.8 million tonnes of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2018. If left unchecked, this could more than double by 2050 to 120 million tonnes.

·       The current recycling rate for e-waste is 15% to 20%.

·       Researchers have found that the production of a computer and monitor requires 1.5 tonnes of water, 21 kilograms of chemicals, and 240 kilograms of fossil fuels.

·       Mobile phones contain high amounts of precious metals such as silver and gold.

·       The global e-waste market is expected to grow by 8 percent per year.

·       When compared to landfill disposal, reusing or recycling computers can generate 296 more jobs per 10,000 tonnes of waste processed.

·       In addition to the blood and kidneys, Defra states that e-waste can seriously damage the central and peripheral nervous systems when released into the environment.

·       Electronic waste litters the streets and poisons the residents of Guiyu, a town in China where e-waste is dumped. The items are soaked in hydrochloric acid to reveal copper and steel that can be reused. The residents of this afflicted town have high levels of lead in their bodies.

 

What is the impact of planned obsolescence on e-waste?

Planning obsolescence only makes the problem worse. Have you ever wondered why your mobile phone suddenly dies just seconds before your contract expires? Do you ever wonder why your TV becomes obsolete as soon as a newer, thinner model is introduced? It's because it's designed to become obsolete.

Our efforts to stay on top of the latest technology take a heavy toll on our wallets as well. New models are released so fast, as well as regular updates and improvements, that we are tempted into purchasing these products, causing huge amounts of electronic waste. There is also an environmental cost attached to all of this.

Therefore, what can be done to avoid planned obsolescence and reduce the problem of e-waste? On a grassroots level, we can choose brands whose products tend to last longer, and demand that shops sell products with longer warranties, guaranteed spare parts, and long service lives. We can also help by properly recycling our electronic waste and asking manufacturers to eliminate dangerous chemicals.

However, France recently put in place strong measures to reduce planned obsolescence, despite the fact that this may seem more difficult than it is. Those who knowingly engage in the practice face prison sentences, while companies will face fines of up to €300,000.

How does e-waste damage the ozone layer?

The first time they see this planet, any visitor from outer space would say, "I want to see the manager." - William S. Burroughs

When e-waste is burned instead of recycled, it emits toxic gases like carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide, which contribute to air pollution and further depletion of the fragile ozone layer that protects us from the sun's harmful rays. Chemicals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium leach into the soil and groundwater, contaminating food and water supplies.

As a result of this depletion, we see global warming, which can severely alter the climatic patterns of the planet, as well as resulting in an increase in skin cancers, premature aging, and cataracts.

A typical heating and cooling appliance, such as a fridge, freezer or oil-filled radiator, manufactured before 1994 is likely to contain ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs and HCFCs. E-waste may also contain hazardous substances such as:

·       LED lights contain arsenic.

·       Batteries containing lithium contain lithium.

·       Photocopiers contain selenium.

·       CRT screens and batteries contain lead.

·       Transformers and condensers contain PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).

What is the importance of ozone-friendly computer recycling?

Recycling has become more than just a green initiative and is playing an important symbolic role in changing the nature of western societies and the culture of consumerism. - Matthew Gandy, Recycling and the Politics of Urban Waste.

Recycle your computer in a secure manner to reduce e-waste and protect your data.

For businesses who wish to play a part in reducing potentially harmful e-waste, and ensure the security of their data, responsible computer recycling is essential. In summary, if your company is committed to ethical recycling of obsolete computers and technology, make sure your computer recycling strategy adheres to proper recycling regulations and is secure and environmentally friendly.

As part of the Data Protection Act of 1998, companies are now legally required to dispose of sensitive information in compliance with current security laws. You should only work with computer recycling companies that follow and, if possible, exceed all government guidelines, such as the WEEE Directive and the Data Protection Act.