E-Waste

From ElateWiki

1 Introduction to E-Waste
2 Evolution of E-Waste
3 E-Waste Dangers
4 E-Waste Complications
5 E-Waste Certified Recyclers
6 Conclusion
7 References

Introduction to E-Waste

Electronic waste is defined as all secondary electronic devices such as computers, televisions, entertainment devices, mobile phones, and refrigerators etc. whether sold, discarded, or donated by their original owners. This includes used electronics for resale, reuse, salvage, recycling, or disposal. Electronic waste also known as E-waste is becoming more of an issue in even developed countries. When E-waste is not appropriately handled workers and communities are at risk due to contamination caused by chemicals from old equipment. The United States lags behind in proper electronic waste disposal.

Evolution of E-Waste

Electronic waste has been growing five times faster than all other waste stream as it constitutes about 5% of all U.S. municipal waste. With this in mind governments and corporate America are attempting to clean up the impact they have on the environment. With health concerns and global climate-changes in mind the public is becoming more aware of the impact they have on the environment. As the trend continues to grow more states are mandating e-recycling. There are no federal laws regarding proper disposal of electronic waste. Instead, the U.S. government has delegated the responsibility to each state to establish proper disposal regulations. Indian was the first state to pass an e-waste law which took place on May 13, 2009. Since then 18 other states have passed laws requiring proper disposal of E-waste.

E-Waste Dangers

There can be serious repercussions if electronic waste is misappropriated. These electronic devices contain serious contaminants including lead, cadmium, beryllium, and bromine. Such contaminants are capable of causing serious health and pollution issues; therefore, it is important to maintain appropriate disposal standards.

E-Waste Complications

Electronic waste is known for creating environmental issues, however, security is another issue taken into consideration when dealing with old equipment. When companies decide to dispose of old equipment many of them fear for the security of their company. Statistically speaking more companies prioritize data protection before environmental issues prior to disposing of their old equipment. If information on old equipment falls into the wrong hands it could be detrimental to any company considering legal issues and its public image. From a survey taken only 20% of companies enforce environmental compliance as a leading strategy. Only 10% determine business practices based on green guidelines. These statistics are further supported by the actions taken by businesses considering only 48% of businesses are willing to spend more for environmentally friendly products.

E-Waste Certified Recyclers

As electronic waste becomes more of an issue to the environment the United States Environmental Protection Agency is becoming more involved in pushing for proper disposal of electronics. There appears to be a growing demand for recycling centers of electronic waste. With the backing of the EPA certified recyclers are becoming an important part of proper disposal of potentially harmful chemicals associated with electronics. Not only do recycling centers properly dispose of hazardous materials but they also extract parts of electronics that can are reusable in manufacturing. An example of reusable parts includes Apple’s Power Mac G5 Laptop which is constructed with a fully reusable aluminum shell. The iMac is constructed with a polycarbonate that is fully recyclable. While many companies have constructed recyclable parts in the past; the trend appears to be growing at a quicker rate.

Conclusion

While electronic devises consume around 6% of the U.S. GDP, proper disposal of old goods is becoming more important than ever. With the environment and health risks in mind laws are being passed and recycling centers are growing at an extraordinary rate. Reusable parts are being properly reallocated to new production and harmful chemicals are properly disposed in an attempt to clean up the environment.