What Is Electronic Waste and Why Is Recycling So Important?

Electronic waste comes in numerous forms, covering anything from computers, printers, photocopiers, faxes and monitors to batteries and mobile phones. Everyone wants the latest technology available, and when their budget allows it, they do not hesitate to replace their old electronic equipment. In doing so, few, if any, remember the consequences of e-waste disposal, so the old equipment usually ends up at the landfill. With it, so do the toxic substances it contains. Here are just a few of the harmful chemicals invading Sunshine Coast landfills on a daily basis and the electronic parts they come from:

• Lead is usually found in cathode ray solder and tubes
• Housing and switches are a common source of mercury
• Besides lead, cathode ray tubes also contain arsenic
• Flame retardants are a frequent source of antimony trioxide
• Circuit boards contain selenium
• Cadmium is a common presence in semiconductors
• The steel used for magnets contains cobalt.

If these substances remained as they were, the lack of electronics recycling solutions would probably go unnoticed. However, they don’t. With time, they infiltrate from the decomposing waste into the ground, contaminating underground water layers and even the food chain.
Without realizing it, we expose ourselves to all kinds of diseases and health problems. The sad part is that all this could be avoided by preventing and managing electrical waste more responsibly and, more importantly, by recycling. Besides helping us minimize the negative impact on the environment, recycling electrical goods is a great way to save resources. Metals are limited resources and, by recycling the electronics containing them, we not only keep them away from landfills, but we also cover the need for more metals and prevent additional exploitation. Gold, copper and aluminum are the best examples in this sense.

How to Manage and Recycle E-Waste Responsibly

If you do not want to remain just another figure in the overwhelming statistics referring to pollution and improper electronic waste disposal, here are a few simple measures you can take:
• If the situation allows it, repair or recondition the broken and old equipment, machinery or appliances, instead of buying new ones.
• Whenever you need to get rid of old or surplus equipment and appliances, consider donating them to schools, social centers or companies that will refurbish them for further use.
• Before you go shopping for new equipment, check for stores or suppliers that accept trade-ins. They will usually give you a discount for bringing your old electronic equipment to them, no matter how old or broken that equipment is.
• When making new acquisitions, focus on reusable products, like refillable ink cartridges, rechargeable batteries, etc., and biodegradable materials.
• Look for companies or centers recycling electronic waste in your area and take your old equipment to them or call them to come and get it.