What To Do With E-waste

The computer age has ushered in a whole slew of electronics that are created with heavy metals and other toxic chemicals, which leaves many people wondering what to do with e-waste.E-waste is formed every time someone replaces an old technology with a newer one.Every year millions of cell phones are thrown out, so that the United States can satisfy its need for the latest and greatest when it comes to technology.It isn't that the old cell phone no longer works; it is just that it is no longer fashionable or it isn't as fast as a new phone.

The old cathode ray tubes of televisions and computer monitors have become victims to flat screens, and desktop computers are giving way to laptops, smartphones and tablets, which are in turn giving way to their latest models.The waste generated by this mountain of electronics is not only terrible to contemplate, but it is also the subject of several laws to keep the electronics from winding up in landfills and spilling those toxins into the water system of some unsuspecting community.

The other thing that you may not know about electronics beyond their toxicity is that even the cheapest cell phone contains a good amount of precious materials that can be recycled.One cell won't have enough to make a difference to an individual, but hundreds of cell phones could help some organizations with their financial viability.

So the first thing that people can do with their e-waste is not create it.This is always the best option.Replacing a cell phone every year or two is ridiculous even when it is free with a plan.Flat screens have a lot of good things about them, including reducing eye strain, creating more space and high definition, but if a person has a cathode ray tube monitor or TV that is in good working condition, it might be environmentally wise to keep it.

Recycling is the next thing that people can do with their electronics.Many businesses, especially the big box stores, have recycling programs for things like cell phones, batteries, and ink cartridges.The person doesn't even have to go all the way into the store in some cases - just drop the item in the appropriately marked container.A smart person can even be rewarded for turning in certain e-waste at certain stores through a program.If there are no box stores in the area, the person does have the option of mailing smaller e-waste to charities who will then use it to support their programs.

If none of this is feasible or if it is too much work, the e-waste absolutely must be disposed of properly.This often means going to the local landfill and declaring the hazardous waste that is being brought in.They will charge for the items appropriately, and then the landfill will be charged with getting rid of the e-waste.

Throwing e-waste in the garbage is not only illegal in most states, it is also irresponsible.Anyone who disposes of their e-waste in this fashion is helping to leave their children and grandchildren a poisoned world.However, it isn't just the next generation that could be affected by the toxins from the e-waste getting into the environment.It is up to everyone involved in the technological revolution to take care of what they bring into this world through desire.

Reducing waste is the best option.Recycling comes next with proper disposal a distant third.Following these tenets will allow us to continue to advance and to keep the quality of life that we would like our children to have.