What is e-waste?
Discarded consumer electronics are an increasing challenge. Every day, informed consumers, community and business leaders, environmental organizations, and city, state and federal agencies grow more concerned about how to deal with electronic waste – or e-waste. And for good reason: • In the next three years, individuals and organizations worldwide will replace more than 400 million computers.1 • The average cell phone in the U.S. is replaced after just 18 months.2 • More than 75 percent of all computers ever sold remain stockpiled in our closets, garages, office storage rooms and warehouses.3 What does e-waste mean for the environment? People are increasingly aware that computers, cell phones and other electronics contain chemicals such as cadmium, lead and mercury. Unless properly recycled, these chemicals could make their way from landfills into our soil, water and air. Many manufacturers are already reducing the amount of hazardous materials they use and are designing their product
