TMCnet Feature Free eNews Subscription
August 11, 2021

Why E-waste is a Problem We Can't Ignore



It’s hard to imagine our lives without our smartphones, laptops and televisions in this digital age. But not discarding of these properly when we replace them can lead to serious consequences. Studies show that, collectively, UK households and businesses produce 1.45 million tonnes of electrical waste each year. The e-waste research organisation, Material Focus, calculates that at least 500,000 tonnes of the waste was wrongly discarded in 2020. Its latest study suggests un-recycled household electricals cost the UK a whopping £370m a year in lost materials such as gold, copper, aluminium and steel.




But what is e-waste and why is it a problem? We decided to delve into the facts behind the figures, to get to the bottom of this environmental hazard once and for all.


What is E-waste?

If you’re sitting there thinking you don’t have a clue what we’re talking about, then allow us to demystify this term! E-waste is just another word for discarded electronic appliances such as old mobile phones, computers, and televisions which we throw away when we replace them. How we discard of e-waste is important. If we don’t recycle it properly, there can be lasting consequences.

What Impact does E-waste have?

One of the main issues with e-waste is that is it drastically damaging to the environment, harming wildlife and fuelling climate change. If you don’t dispose of your electronic waste properly, the nasty electrical toxics can leak into the environment over time, infecting soil and water which contaminates our wildlife, livestock, and crops. These toxins are then being passed around the food chain. Alongside this, the process of mining these improperly discarded metals can cause an inordinate amount of pollution in our atmosphere.

How Should I Discard of My E-waste?

There are several different approved ways to discard of your e-waste safely. One common method is to recycle it at an officially certified store. Choosing a certified recycler means you can rest easy knowing that no pollution or data leaks will occur. Certified providers take legal pledges ensuring to follow all safety protection guidelines when disposing of e-waste. If you have electrical items such as hard drives containing sensitive information and enjoy operating machinery, you could take a more hands-on approach with a hydraulic press. This physically damages the item beyond repair so that no data can be removed from it once it’s been discarded. Just be sure to do your research beforehand so that you understand exactly what’s involved in this process. Alternatively, if you want to pocket a bit of money in the process, you can cash in your old devices at local refurb stores. Just be mindful to wipe all your personal data from your devices beforehand. Your device will then be refurbished and repurposed for somebody else to use.



» More TMCnet Feature Articles
Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [Free eNews Subscription]
SHARE THIS ARTICLE

LATEST TMCNET ARTICLES

» More TMCnet Feature Articles