E-Waste – How Can We Get Rid of Old Electronics?

E-Waste

When you are reading this article then you must use an electronic device like a smartphone, tablet or PC. We do not post the article in the newspaper. So this is the only way to reach us by using a digital electronic device and most of us have more than two devices. Now come to the point. How many old electronic devices you already used. If you are thirty years old when you are reading this article and if I am wrong then you already used at list 4 cell phones, 2 tablets or 3 computers, 3 TV, etc. And now you are using now a model for each one. Because an average American keeps a new cell phone just for 18 months. Ok, now tell me what did you done with your old device? Did you till kept at your home or left it on a roadside dustbin with a sad heart. Now like other garbage, your old electronic device becomes e-waste. In this post, we will discuss “E-Waste – How Can We Get Rid of Old Electronics?”

What is E-Waste?

Generally, all electronic waste or e-waste describes discarded electrical or electronic devices. Used electronics that are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal are also considered e-waste.

Why E-Waste is Important?

Now a day’s only U.S. produces more electronic waste or ‘e-waste’ than any other country in the world. It required sending around 50000 dump trucks worth of e-waste to recyclers annually. Just in 2006, the United Nations estimated the amount of worldwide electronic waste discarded each year to be 50 million metric tons. 1.6 billion Cell phones were manufactured in 2012. The cheap price tags and rapid replacement needs of such products are creating a worldwide crisis as their careless disposal wreaks havoc on the environment and its inhabitants.

An electronic device is packed with heavy metals, toxins elemental like lead that never disappear, mercury, beryllium, cadmium, arsenic and releasing halogenated dioxins and furans when burned. If we dispose of electronics waste carelessly then it will pollute the earth, water, and air. If any human comes to contact with this toxin elemental, it can cause cancer, kidney and nervous system damage, endocrine disorders, reproductive issues and more. This is why many states already ban the disposal of electronic waste.

How Can We Get Rid of Old Electronics?

Re-Purpose and Re-Sell:

Generally, 60 percent of old electronics end up in landfills annually. Now if you think that your gadget still works or requires some minor repairs then give it a last chance for refurbishment and reuse before it dies an untimely death in a landfill. Don’t mind; your old memory with this device can help you to think about it again. Now a day’s, only 15 to 20 percent of e-waste is reused or recycled. If your electronics still work then consider resale and let it live for more time.

Recycling:

Nearly 100 percent of electronic waste or e-waste is recyclable. Many devices are the house of precious metals like gold. Do you know, your old CPU has gold inside of it? Recycling of a million cell phones would net 50 pounds of gold, 550 pounds of silver, 20 pounds of palladium and 20000 pounds of copper according to EPA estimates. In silver and gold alone, Americans unknowingly discard an estimated $60-million annually.

Turn It in for Credit:

You can exchange your old electronic device for the money. Because your unused item will be someone usable item. Most retailers that sell electronics offer credit for old items from phones to tablets, computers, and TVs.

Dispose of:

Now it’s time to kill your old electronics. Because, when all else fails, it may simply be time to toss electronics. For this purpose, check with your local city government regarding designated cleanup drives, which typically include dedicated electronics disposal days, including those for larger items, such as TVs and appliances.

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