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recycling |
If
you didn't already know, eWaste (electronics waste) is the fastest growing form of toxic waste in the
world. It is probably no surprise, that considering our current age of technology
and computers, eWaste makes up a significant portion of waste on the Earth.
However, what is surprising to most people is that eWaste is toxic. How can this
be? Electronics are just a casement of plastic and metal right? Well, when we
take a closer look at the many different elements that go into making up the
many different electronic components and processes used in everything from
computers to refrigerators, eWaste is alot more than just metal and plastic.
Some of the
toxic substances of eWaste include the heavy metals, Mercury, Cadmium and
Lead, as well as potential carcinogenic substances like polychlorinated biphenyls.
In fact, nearly 70% of all heavy metals found in landfills comes from electronic
equipment. On average, computers and monitors are 20% Lead by weight and contain
a total amount of Lead ranging anywhere from 4 to 8 pounds - all of which is now
steadily collecting as a toxic pollutant to the environment.
And while
the entire world still has a long way to go in developing more effective eWaste
recycling programs, the U.S. is especially dealing with a serious issue. Just in
the State of California alone (where eWaste recycling programs are making progress), 2.2 million computers are sold every year. This correlates into
approximately 6,000 computers being discarded or put out of commission every
day.
A positive
side to all of this is that many people are not throwing their computers away, but instead are storing them in their attics at home or in the garage. Nut
quite sure what to do with such high value items, people often think of selling
their old computers off at a garage sale or giving it to the Salvation Army or
Good Will. And while this is a good temporary solution, we are going to have to
face the fact that we can't keep lugging around our old unused electronics. Even the Salvation Army is unsure about what it should be doing
with the steady stream of computers and other eWaste that is coming in so fast
it can't even be given away. For now, however, it's a good thing all this
outdated electronics is not being added to the tons and tons of eWaste that is already
exponentially growing every year. Right now, eWaste Represents 2-5% of the total
composition of municipal waste in the U.S., which apparently is the highest
ratio of eWaste in the world.
Other
countries have made considerable progress in easing the burden of eWaste.
Switzerland was the first country to set up an electronic waste recycling
system, which began with refrigerators but now includes all forms of electronic
waste. The European Union has also set up regulations that hold electronics
manufacturers financially responsible for giving consumers the opportunity to
return their old electronics to be reused or recycled free of charge.
So,
depending on where you live, your options to recycle your old computer,
microwave or television might be limited. The best thing you can do is a little
research. Find out where the closest recycling center or landfill is to your
residence and call to inquire if there is a drop-off center for eWaste, and if
so, the dates and times for collection. An even more conventient option is to
use the services of a
junk removal company like JustJunk.com.
Author: Ry
RECYCLING TIPS
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