Why is e-waste a problem?
As we become more dependent on electronic products to make life more convenient, the stockpile of used, obsolete products grows. The National Safety Council projects that nearly 250 million computers will become obsolete in the next five years and mobile phones will be discarded at a rate of 130 million per year by 2005. “eCycling” is reusing or recycling of these consumer electronics. Computer monitors and older TV picture tubes contain an average of four pounds of lead. In addition to lead, electronics can contain chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc, and brominated flame retardants. When electronics are not disposed of or recycled properly, these toxic materials can present problems. Hazardous components of e-waste and where they are found Why Should We Recycle E-Waste? Extending the life of your electronics or donating your most up-to-date and working electronics can save you money and saves valuable resources. Safely recycling outdated electronics can promote the sa
As technology rapidly evolves, people are constantly upgrading to new equipment, and retiring their old equipment. The typical electronic product may contain more than 1,000 different substances, some of which are potentially hazardous to human and environmental health. If old equipment is not properly recycled, these substances could seep into air, soil, and water. The characteristics, scale and complexity of the e-waste situation create a significant challenge.
E-waste is both valuable as source for secondary raw material, and toxic if treated and discarded improperly. Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast growing problem around the globe. Technical solutions are available but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied. Due to lower environmental standards and working conditions in China and India, e-waste is being sent to these countries for processing in most cases illegally. Bangalore in India and Guiyu in Shantou region of China have e-waste processing areas. Uncontrolled burning and disposal are causing environmental problems due to the methods of processing the waste. Trade in e-waste is controlled by the Basel Convention. E-waste is of concern largely due to the toxicity of some of the substances if processed improperly. The toxicity is due in part to lead, mercury, cadmium
As technology rapidly evolves, people are constantly upgrading to new equipment, and retiring their old equipment. The typical electronic product may contain more than 1,000 different substances, some of which are potentially hazardous to human and environmental health. If old equipment is not properly recycled, these substances could seep into air, soil, and water. The characteristics, scale and complexity of the e-waste situation create a significant challenge. 22. What hazardous materials are in electronic products? Electronic components such as printed circuits, Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) and LCD screen assemblies often contain a variety of heavy metals and other substances known to pose hazards to human and environmental health when disposed of improperly. Cadmium, lead, mercury, antimony and arsenic are some of these substances.
As technology rapidly evolves, people are constantly upgrading to new equipment, and retiring their old equipment. The typical electronic product may contain more than 1,000 different substances, some of which are known to be hazardous to human and environmental health. If old equipment is not properly recycled, these substances could seep into air, soil, and water. The characteristics, scale and complexity of the e-waste situation create a significant challenge.
