Every year, many electronic devices are disposed of globally. Ranging from cell phones and laptops to TVs and microwaves, electronic waste (e-waste) is fast emerging as one of the fastest-growing waste streams on Earth. Although a significant number of people know only about recycling paper and plastic, e-waste recycling is usually ignored. Even though it is a significant practice, a few know the startling facts about e-waste.

In this blog, we are about to find out how important it is to preserve the environment and the economy by recycling e-waste. These facts not only underscore the e-waste recycling problems environmentally and economically but also exploit the significance of learning more about e-waste at the electronic level. You are ready?!

1. E-Waste Makes Up a Large Portion of Global Waste

E-waste statistics paint a startling picture. Were you aware that as many as 53 million metric tons of e-waste are being produced annually? Such a big number to believe and still keep up! Based on the facts coming from the UN, the e-waste issue has grown by 21% every five years worldwide, surpassing other waste streams like plastic or food waste by far.

Currently, e-waste represents around 2% of the world’s total waste. With the growth of technology accelerating over the years, the number of discarded electronics has also been growing. Today, our mobile devices, PCs, and TVs have the shortest life, and therefore, they are mostly due to the massive accumulation of e-waste.

E-waste is one of the serious environmental problems we have to face nowadays. The landfills have received the majority of these devices, where they can release toxic substances that contaminate the land and water. Indeed, e-waste recycling is the only way to solve the problem that humanity encounters now because it can reduce the environmental effect of e-waste to a certain extent.

2. E-Waste Contains Valuable Materials

Maybe it has escaped your attention, electronic devices are in reality treasures containing many valuable resources.Obsolete electronic gadgets are still an abundant source of precious metal like copper, gold, and silver, which can be extracted and reused.Almost $60 billion are discarded annually in the form of e-waste that contains precious metals.

Here are a few examples of valuable materials found in common electronic devices:

• Gold: Found in mobile phones, laptops, and circuit boards, gold is a highly valuable material that is often thrown away in e-waste. Just one ton of mobile phones can yield 300 grams of gold!
  
• Silver: Like gold, silver is used in many electronics due to its excellent conductivity. It’s found in items like smartphones and computers.
  
• Copper: Found in the wiring and components of nearly every electronic device, copper is an essential material used in electronics manufacturing.
  

The truth is, we could recover a significant portion of these materials through e-waste recycling. By properly recycling electronics, we not only reduce the need for mining and the destruction it causes but also conserve these valuable materials, reducing the environmental cost of producing new electronics.

3. Improper E-Waste Disposal Can Lead to Toxic Pollution

Failure to dispose of e-waste in an environmentally friendly way is what will lead to the release of harmful chemicals into the immediate surroundings. Most old electronics store hazardous materials which act as a big threat to the green world. The names of the deleterious substances are lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. These agents are really dangerous to humans not only the environment.

• Lead: Found in older cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors, lead is a potent neurotoxin. Exposure to even small amounts can cause brain damage, particularly in children.
  
• Mercury: Often found in flat-screen TVs and fluorescent light bulbs, mercury is extremely toxic and can contaminate water supplies if not properly managed.
  
• Cadmium: This substance is commonly found in older rechargeable batteries and is highly toxic. Cadmium exposure can damage the kidneys and bones.
  
• Brominated flame retardants: Used in the plastic casings of electronic devices, these chemicals can accumulate in the environment and disrupt hormone systems.
  

When e-waste is incinerated or dumped in landfills, these chemicals can leak into the air, soil, and water. Improper e-waste recycling techniques, such as open-air burning, which is often seen in developing countries, can exacerbate the problem by releasing dangerous toxins directly into the atmosphere.

4. The U.S. Discards Over 9 Million Tons of E-Waste Annually

The United States is one of the most significant contributors to the pile of discarded electrical goods. Each year, Americans dispose of approximately 9 million tons of e-waste. Nevertheless, one fact is even more horrific: that of the total e-waste in the US, only 12% is being handled in the right way. The remaining 88% is being either sent to the landfills or transported to countries which do not have appropriate recycling facilities.

Despite the U.S. producing a huge amount of e-waste, only a small part of it is recycled properly. The other part of it causes loss in materials that can still be re-used and also pollutes the lands. What's more, e-waste that is not properly recovered is shipped to countries like China, India, and Nigeria where the uncontrolled recycling practices create an even bigger problem for the environment and the health of the workers.

5. The Global E-Waste Recycling Rate Is Shockingly Low

Despite the massive amounts of e-waste generated each year, the global e-waste recycling rate remains surprisingly low. As of recent reports, only about 20% of global e-waste is recycled properly. The other 80% is either thrown away, incinerated, or exported to developing nations with poor recycling practices.

One of the main reasons why the recycling rate is so low is that the potential harm of electronic waste on our environment is hardly communicated to the public.Some people are not aware of what to do with their old electrical devices or, worse, they might not be aware of the need for recycling. Besides, there are recycling plants which do not have sufficient technology for safe and environmentally friendly e-waste disposal.

Suppose we can enhance the global recycling efforts, the negative impact of e-waste on the planet and human health can be greatly reduced. As a result, high recycling of e-waste will not only help recover materials from landfills, which are always lost but release the harmful level of e-waste as well.

What Can You Do to Help?

Now that you know more about the impact of e-waste, it’s time to take action. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your electronics are disposed of properly:

• Recycle your old devices: Many communities offer free e-waste recycling programs. Find a certified e-waste recycling center near you.
  
• Donate: If your old electronics are still in working condition, consider donating them to charity. Many organizations accept used smartphones, laptops, and computers.
  
• Spread awareness: Encourage others to recycle their e-waste. The more people understand the environmental impact of improper disposal, the more likely they are to take action.
  

By recycling responsibly, you’re helping to reduce the toxic effects of e-waste and conserve valuable resources.

Conclusion

E-waste is an urgent problem that requires our immediate response. Due to the drastic growth in electrical waste, thinking about green recycling and valid disposal of the old gadgets is very important. The given reasons reflect not only data but a call for...

Recycling e-waste in the right manner is capable of fetching useful materials, reducing pollution and caring for human health. Whenever you make a decision to purchase a new phone, computer, or TV, make sure to discard your old device in a green way. In this way, not only will you be a small, but necessary part of a better and more sustainable environment, but you will also be doing it for all people.