Why You Need To Recycle Electronic Waste

If you didn’t already know, eWaste (electronics waste) is one of the fastest growing forms of toxic waste in the world. Considering our current age of technology, ie. computers, cell phones, ipods, etc., eWaste makes up a significant portion of waste on Earth. However, what’s so surprising to most people is that eWaste is toxic. How can this be? Electronics are just a casement of plastics and metals and when you take a closer look at the different elements that go into making up the many electronic components and processes, eWaste is a lot more than just metal and plastic.

Some of the toxic substances of eWaste include heavy metals like Mercury, Cadmium and Lead, as well as, potential carcinogenic substances like polychlorinated biphenyls. In fact, nearly 70% of all heavy metals found in landfills come from electronic waste. 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, every day brings new focus and attention to this environmental challenge. When cell phones were first introduced, I doubt anybody would have predicted that there would be over two billion in use around the world, but here we are. With that spectacular growth comes the very real problem of what to do with the old ones.

Almost 99 percent of an electronic product can be recycled. That means only a small amount is actually waste ending in a landfill. It’s time we become responsible and accountable for our actions, especially when it comes to eWaste recycling. However you choose to recycle your electronics, the bottom line is, you should.

Check out websites like E-Cycling Central, Earth 911, the National Recycling Coalition and Waste Care. Whatever you do, don’t just toss eWaste in the trash, it ends up either being burned and the toxic gasses are released into the atmosphere, or it ends up sitting in a landfill where the toxins slowly leach into our groundwater. Do the right thing and find an eWaste recycler!