Our world is full of all manner and style of electronic devices that many of us rely on to make it through our busy day. Devices like computers, televisions, and all manner of portable media. Along with these entertainment-based products, there are even more electronic devices that we don’t even notice like items for the kitchen (toasters, refrigerators), the home (exercise machines, vacuum cleaners), and maintenance (drills, electric lawnmowers).
The amount of electronic devices has also led to a very serious side effect—the proper disposal of these objects. Once they have outlived their usefulness, we move on to new devices but we shouldn’t forget the previous models. For many of us, this leads to tossing the device in the trash to be picked up and taken away. While this may be the standard way that most of us use for disposal, it can lead to serious repercussions on the environment. Electronic waste represents only 2 percent of America’s trash but it equals 70 percent of overall toxic waste. The USA alone discards a little over 2 million tons of electronic waste per year and much of it is made up of chemicals that can be hazardous if not disposed of properly.
There are several procedures currently being used to dispose of electronic waste but nearly all of them come with major problems. Due to lower environmental standards and working conditions in countries like China, India, and Kenya, electronic waste is being sent to these countries for processing with unsafe disposal methods, like open burning, incineration, and disassembly and disposal without proper precautions. If processed improperly, this waste can become extremely toxic and carcinogenic. Incineration is a prime suspect in the release of these toxic substances through the resultant fumes and ash residue left behind. Open burning is an even worse mode of disposal due to the relatively low temperature of the fire itself, which leads to the release of many more pollutants than in a controlled incineration process. The third questionable disposal method is in a landfill. This is the most widely used method but it can also cause the same amount of problems due to it’s contents leaking into the surrounding ground and water resources. Even new landfills sealed to prevent toxins from leaking are not completely sound in the long term, with the sealant breaking down before the toxins can biodegrade naturally.
While these are all examples of the mismanagement of electronic waste, there are many others that are taking care of it in a safe way. In 1991, the first electronic waste recycling system was implemented in Switzerland beginning with the collection of refrigerators and, over the years, all other electronic devices have been added to the system. Here in the USA, there have been two plans implemented to combat the amount of waste - recycle and reuse. The recycling is handled in ways that guarantee that all of the possible toxins are removed and disposed of while leaving the remaining pieces ready for reuse.
The reuse plan is very beneficial for both the sides of the donation. As of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, companies that donate computers less than two years old to schools will receive an enhanced charitable deduction benefit. A secondary part of the reuse plan is the groups that refurbish older model computers. These groups, like Free Geek, will take donated computers and sell them at a discount to people that can’t afford to pay full price for a current model or donate them to other non-profits through their grant program.
There are also many major retail companies that are coming forward to help. Along with their standard recycling bins, Whole Foods Market includes a bin for used batteries which keeps the spent battery acid from entering into the ecosystem in a landfill. Beginning on May 21st, 2007, the Staples chain of office supply stores began their own electronic waste disposal plan. They will recycle any manufacturer’s products, regardless of whether or not it was purchased from Staples, with no limit on the quantity of equipment to be handled. By bringing a service like this to their customers, Staples gives a large portion of the country the ability to dispose of their used electronic equipment in a responsible manner.
