E-Waste and The Threat It Poses to Our Environment

by Kelly Rodriguez Adelaide Waste & Recycling Centre

We are all aware of how common electronic items have become in our daily lives around the world. From the simplest task of performing basic calculations to the most complex, such as storing all of a large organisation's records and important information, electronics are being used more than ever. Even in our homes, our lives are dominated by large television screens, large speakers, laptop computers, and smartwatches. Electronics have become so common that we prefer to read books on portable wireless electronic reading devices rather than typed paper copies.

With the rise of electronics, which has undoubtedly made everything from communications to commerce easier to use, some dangers have slowly crept up for decades. One such rising threat is the generation of e-waste, which can be harmful to both humans and the environment. E-waste, also known as electronic waste, is an umbrella term for electronic items that are nearing the end of their useful life. That means that an electronic device that was once fully functional is now a piece of junk ready to be discarded. E-waste typically contains a battery and other toxic and hazardous materials, rendering it unsuitable for normal disposal. As a result of increased electronic use, the amount of e-waste generated globally has increased at an alarming rate. Worse yet, only 17.4% of global electronic waste is properly processed and treated for disposal and recycling. This low rate of ethical e-waste disposal carries a number of risks. Aside from the environmental risk, unethical e-waste disposal is also a fatal blow to the global economy.

 

The multiple environmental risks related to e-waste

 

Because it is non-biodegradable and can pollute the soil, air, and water, electronic waste poses a threat to the environment. For the recovery of valuable and expensive materials from electronic waste, methods such as acid baths and open-air burning are used.

Electronic devices are difficult to dispose of because they emit toxic matter during disposal, harming the environment. Furthermore, the toxins released by e-waste can endanger the health of waste disposal workers nearby. The toxic matter contains hazardous contaminants such as cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury. Cancer, neurological damage, and other harmful health effects can result from exposure to such contaminants.

Another overlooked aspect of unethical e-waste disposal is the loss of valuable materials used in such devices. Many materials used in electronic devices are extracted from the ground, a costly and environmentally damaging process. Not reusing such materials leads to over-exploitation of the earth through repeated mining, a process that can be halted with effective disposal and recovery methods.

Because handling and disposing of e-waste can be hazardous, it is essential to rely on professionals for e waste recycling Adelaide. The Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre provides a risk-free e-waste disposal service, minimising environmental damage.

E-Waste’s negative impact on climate change

 

The list of harm done by e-waste grows, as it also contributes to the worsening of climate change. When e-waste is not separated from common household waste and sent to a landfill, we lose any chance of reusing some materials from the e-waste. With less material available for reuse, the production of new electronic gadgets must begin from scratch, increasing the cost of production. More electronic devices produced means more carbon dioxide released into the environment, eventually contributing to global warming.

 

The growing concern due to less recycling rates of e-waste

 

E-waste is still one of the least recycled hazardous wastes on the planet. Unlike wastewater and organic waste, which both have pre-planned disposal systems, e-waste does not. More awareness of the dangers of e-waste is needed, and we must all be more responsible in disposing of e-waste in an environmentally friendly manner. There is an urgent need for a solution to the many e-waste disposal issues that are increasing at an exponential rate every day.

 

Countermeasures to Tackle E-Waste

 

E-waste recycling must be improved globally in order to reduce environmental damage. The best way to deal with this situation is to hire professionals or go to innovative companies like the Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre, which can ensure proper e waste disposal Adelaide. They ensure that all e-waste is processed before being disposed of in a landfill, allowing for maximum recycling. To minimise environmental damage, their experienced staff performs efficient and environmentally friendly waste disposal. Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre is the ideal choice for all commercial and residential waste services in Adelaide and the surrounding region!

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Created on Jan 24th 2023 22:14. Viewed 118 times.

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