How big of a problem are batteries and electronics in the waste stream?
Many companies have not considered the volumes of electronic devices and batteries that enter our waste streams. For instance, did you know that within three years 130 million cellular telephones would be discarded each year? This means that over 65,000 tons of waste will be entering the waste stream. By the year 2005 there will be at least 200 million cellular telephones in use within the United States. According to the U.S.E.P.A., computers and electronic goods, many of which contain batteries, are the fastest growing waste stream in the U.S. and accounts for approximately 220 million pounds of waste per year.
