Title: The Importance of Electronics Recycling and E-Waste
Headings: E-Waste and the Importance of Electronics Recycling
Sustainable Businesses Recycling Glossary
E-Waste and the Importance of Electronics Recycling
What Is E-Waste
Why Is Electronics Recycling Important?
How Can Consumers Recycle Their Old Electronics Devices?
Are You Allowed to Throw E-Waste in the Trash?
E-Waste Recycling Legislation

Content: Ironically, electronic waste contains deposits of precious metal estimated to be between 40 and 50 times richer than ores mined from the earth, according to the United Nations. Solid Waste Management Because the explosion of growth in the electronics industry, combined with short product life cycle has led to a rapid escalation in the generation of solid waste. Toxic Materials Because old electronic devices contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium, proper processing is essential to ensure that these materials are not released into the environment. They may also contain other heavy metals and potentially toxic chemical flame retardants. International Movement of Hazardous Waste The uncontrolled movement of e-waste to countries where cheap labor and primitive approaches to recycling have resulted in health risks to residents exposed to the release of toxins continues to an issue of concern. How Can Consumers Recycle Their Old Electronics Devices? Consumers have access to recycling opportunities, depending on where they live. Thinking regarding the electronics recycling hierarchy, the best choice is to donate computer equipment that can be refurbished or reused as is, provided that personal information is scrubbed from devices. Other recycling opportunities include authorized electronics recycler locations, electronics recycling events, or retailer take back programs such as those offered by Staples, Office Depot or BestBuy. Additionally, other programs are available to help consumers with the recycling of cell phones and batteries, such as through Call2Recycle .