E-waste is a blanket term that is used for all electronic waste. Electronic waste includes all pieces of technology that are no longer being used, even if they still technically work. With the fast pace that technology is changing, it means that parts of technology are being outdated at a faster rate than ever before. Many of these devices are being thrown out where they end up in landfills. In fact, in 2016, almost 45 million tons of e-waste ended up in landfills, but luckily, this doesn’t have to be the norm. If you’re wondering, ‘what can we do about e-waste?’, one of the best things you can do is use an e-waste recycling company, for all your old devices.
The first thing you should do is re-evaluate. One of the biggest reasons for the increase in e-waste is that consumers are buying new devices even when their current devices are perfectly functional. Decreasing the number of new products that you buy will also reduce the rate that e-waste is created if you have had electronics that are too outdated for your preference but still work than another option is to donate them. Many charities and nonprofits accept donated electronics including old computers and printers if you can’t find an organization to give your old devices to consider then donating to Goodwill or The Salvation Army.
Donating might not be an option for everyone; however, if your devices are too old and do not work any more than donation is not an option. If you have old devices that are broken and irreparable, merely throwing away the devices is not the answer. When you throw them away, they end up in landfills or overseas where damage is done to the environment, and precious metals such as the gold inside of devices are wasted. Instead of throwing away devices, take your items to an e-waste recycling company. Certified companies will securely and adequately recycle their devices. If you have e-waste, be sure to consider recycling as an option.