Growing Actions towards Electronic Waste

by Chris Klow Sell Your Used Business Phones

The use of electronic devices has grown exponentially in the last two decades. More and more people are using computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices in their daily lives. This implies that each year many million tons of electronic waste is being generated. This has given rise to the problem of electronic waste disposal.

When electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, etc. become non-functional or when newer models of these products appear on the market, consumers discard these older or non-functional products, thus creating e-waste. Moreover, to drive steady sales of new models, companies intentionally stop providing support for older models of electronic devices and offer new devices at compelling prices. So, in a way, a consumer is forced to buy new devices instead of getting their old devices repaired.

Other ways by which electronic waste is generated includes closing or downsizing of businesses, upgrading of equipment by businesses, generation of surplus IT equipment due to acquisition or merger, worn out, faulty or damaged IT equipment, etc. By following proper ways for IT asset recycling & disposition, businesses can minimize the generation of e-waste.

Electronic devices are composed of a variety of materials such as Platinum, Copper, Lithium, Gold, Palladium, Silver, Cobalt and other valuable materials. By using proper e-waste recycling techniques, these valuable materials can be recovered and reused.

Toxic materials in electronic devices such as Lead, brominated flame retardants, Mercury, Chromium, Beryllium, polychlorinated biphenyls, Cadmium, etc. are very harmful to human health and environment. Dumping of e-waste in landfills leads to leaching of toxic chemicals into the soil, groundwater, and rivers, which can contaminate the water supply.

To deal with the problem of electronic waste disposal, multiple actions are required. The following actions are increasingly being taken, researched or considered around the globe -

Proper E-Waste Recycling

Proper or formal e-waste recycling is a process that comprises of disassembling the electronic devices, separating the disassembled components, and finally, categorizing all the disassembled parts according to the material.

Businesses that are looking for ways to get rid of their old, surplus or non-functional IT equipment should opt for IT asset recycling & disposition services providers that can buy the equipment from them at a good price and follow the standard, environment-friendly practices for electronic waste disposal and recycling.

After disassembling the IT equipment and separation and categorization of parts, IT asset disposition services providers mechanically shred the items by making use of the advanced separation technologies.

An IT asset recycling & disposition services provider strictly follows health and safety rules and deploys the best pollution-control technologies to minimize the harmful effects associated with electronic waste disposal and recycling on health and environment.

Better Products

One good way to tackle electronic waste disposal problem is to make electronic devices more durable, easily repairable and recyclable. Electronic devices should contain minimal or no amount of toxic materials so that they become environment-friendly. Fully biodegradable electronic circuits are being developed by Stanford University’s engineers. Even an acid that is one hundred times weaker than vinegar can dissolve these circuits. IT equipment using such biodegradable circuits may become available in the future making the process of IT asset recycling & disposition very easy.

Government laws

Currently, no federal law exists in the U.S. that makes e-waste recycling mandatory or stops the export of e-waste to developing countries. Some U.S. states do require a meeting of minimum recycling targets by the manufacturers.

Changing Behavior

Before buying new gadgets, a consumer should question himself or herself whether he or she needs a new gadget. If a gadget is not working, he or she should get it repaired instead of buying a new one. If a software update or installation can increase or add functionality to a gadget, then a consumer should first try updating or installing new software before going for buying a new gadget. Similarly, businesses that want to go for IT asset disposition should first think about using their old IT equipment in some way or the other.

Good Maintenance

Maintaining your electronic device, for example, by regularly updating the software can help in extending the life of the device, and also a device that is maintained and performing well makes it less likely for a consumer to change to new device.

Increasing Manufacturer’s Responsibility

The companies that manufacture electronic devices should take responsibility for the proper disposal of the devices at the end of their lives so that the waste materials can be utilized for making new products. For example, a company that provides telecom equipment should take the responsibility of telecom equipment recycling so that e-waste can be minimized. A New York act requires electronic products’ manufacturers to provide their buyers with free e-waste recycling services.

Currently, one of the best options for companies looking for IT asset disposition is to go for e-waste recycling by taking the help of an expert IT asset recycling & disposition services provider.

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