Recyling e-Waste Responsibly
The Problem with e-Waste
Discarded computers, televisions, printers, fax machines and copiers are hazardous waste. When dumped into landfills or improperly recycled, they are dangerous to the environment and human health. Pollutants include: toxic chemicals, heavy metals and non-biodegradable materials, such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, barium, silver, selenium, chromium, lead, brominated flame retardants, and numerous types of plastics.
If you do recycle your e-waste, be sure to find a reputable provider and ask where your items really end up. Many recycling companies simply extract the valuable materials (such as copper) and then dispose of the equipment in landfills, or even worse, in illegal waste dumps. Other times, electronic components are loaded into containers and shipped overseas to countries with little or no recycling regulations. In many areas, the improper handling of electronic waste in developing countries has caused a significant increase in birth defects and diseases such as cancer.
Responsible Recycling
Recycling of computer and television materials and components—when done properly and responsibly—provides a safe and cost-effective solution. Recycling TV and computer materials and components, and removing and treating the hazardous components achieves the following goals:
1) Conserves resources
2) Reduces environmental and public health threats
3) Protects worker safety
4) Reduces the cost of permanently storing and disposing of hazardous wastes in permitted hazardous waste facilities
Government Regulation
While a few U.S. states have enacted electronic recycling laws, the U.S. as a whole is grossly behind the EU...
Environmental Design
What if electronic products were manufactured in such a way that they could be easily demanufactured and recycled? What if manufacturers were held responsible for their products over their entire life-cycle? Certainly the costs for collecting and disposing these products would be reflected in market prices. However, wouldn't it also provide an incentive for companies to create environmentally conscious products, while reducing the social, environmental, and economic costs associated with e-waste? And, over time, wouldn't the market then reward companies that are able to provide eco-friendly products and services in a cost effective manner?
