Our world is becoming increasingly digital, with 5.35 billion internet users worldwide and the number is expected to reach 7.9 billion by 2029. With the increase in the use of the internet, the number of digital devices is increasing, leading to a global problem of electronic waste, or e-waste. E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream, and it’s filled with hazardous materials that can harm our environment. Every year, a staggering amount is discarded, often prematurely. Many of these devices, from smartphones to laptops, could still have a valuable second life. Unfortunately, these potentially reusable gadgets end up in landfills, where their toxic materials pose a threat to our environment. The good news? We can make a significant difference by adopting responsible practices to manage and reduce e-waste, particularly hazardous items like batteries and cell phones.
What Do We Mean by E-waste?
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a generic term used to describe all types of old, end-of-life or discarded electrical and electronic equipment, such as household appliances; office information and communications equipment; entertainment and consumer electronic equipment; lighting equipment; electric and electronic tools; toys; and leisure, sports and recreational equipment that are powered by electricity. E-waste contains both valuable and hazardous materials that require special handling and recycling methods.
Why is it Necessary to Reduce E-Waste?
Reducing electronic waste (e-waste) is vital as it’s the fastest-growing domestic and commercial waste stream in the world. E-waste includes any type of electronic item with a plug, cord, and/or battery. Think TVs, laptops, mobile phones, toys, appliances, and devices like hairdryers. They contain valuable materials and should never go to landfill. Between 20 to 50 million metric tons of e-waste are disposed of every year. Unfortunately, only
about 12.5% of it is recycled. In 2022, the world produced 62 million metric tons of e-waste, nearly double the amount generated in 2010. Despite this significant increase, waste management practices are still falling short, with over 75% of e-waste not being properly documented. With projections indicating that e-waste production will surpass 80 million metric tons by 2030, there is an urgent need for enhanced recycling and recovery systems. Most devices such as cell phones, laptops, memory sticks, TVs, tablets and batteries end up in landfills and contribute to air and water pollution. Efficient management of e-waste can improve these figures and ensure as much domestic and commercial electrical waste is reused, recycled, and reduced as possible. The good news is that it’s easy to reduce your e-waste.
10 Best Ways You Can Reduce E-Waste
1. Recycle WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) items: Never throw away any electronic items with your general waste at work or home. Always seek our recycling options for commercial or domestic WEEE items that you can’t repair, reuse, or donate. Visit your local household waste recycling center (HWRC) or find a nearby electrical store that takes back old items to recycle for domestic WEEE. Businesses must arrange commercial waste collection of WEEE that ensures items are recycled.
2. Donate old electricals: When updating to newer laptops at work, getting a new games console, mobile phone, or other electronic equipment, consider donating the old ones. Give to a charity shop, your family and friends, or a local community cause. Even if your old electrical item doesn’t work there may be people, businesses, or charities willing to take and repair them.
3. Regularly check devices: Look out for any deficiencies or issues with any electrical items you use regularly to spot problems before they worsen. This way you can get them fixed before they develop and cause serious damage or become irreparable. Preventative action helps reduce avoidable e-waste.
4. Make recycling part of your lifestyle: The more people recycle, the less waste ends up in a landfill. Luckily, many states have passed laws restricting what type of trash can be thrown away in public. Prioritizing recycling as a part of your lifestyle will help you avoid fines and influence others to support sustainability.
5. Organize your electronics: Given the number of electronics we stash away in drawers and cupboards, it’s no wonder we forget what items we have in our house. Instead of buying new devices, organize your existing ones to see if you really need to replace them.
6. Spread the word about E- Waste: The best way to raise awareness of the environmental consequences of e-waste is to spread the information you learn about it to people in your circle. Awareness campaigns have led many people to adopt sustainable measures such as recycling.
7. Buy Energy Star Rated Appliances: Use appliances that are not only environment-friendly but consume less electricity thereby saving money on your electric bill. Next time you purchase a washing machine, refrigerator, microwave or air conditioner, opt for one which protects the environment by causing less harmful emissions from power plants..
8. Consume Less: Of the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) REDUCE is the most important. It’s so easy to purchase a sleek TV, the latest mobile phone, or a brand-new laptop. Most people don’t even stop to think if they really need them. Before buying anything, ask yourself whether you really need it.
9. Check the packaging for an environmental seal: Another way to reduce e-waste is to focus on products that have an environmental-friendly seal on the package. Products made from recycled materials or recyclable materials may carry various environmental seals.
10. Know a product’s lifespan before you buy it: One of the most obvious ways to reduce e-waste is to check the product and its lifespan before you buy it. Avoid trendy electronic products that go in and out of style quickly.
Wrapping Up
Recycling electronics benefits the environment and gives still-functional gadgets a second life. Often, your old electronics are perfectly fine; it’s just that your new needs outpace the capabilities of older devices. Instead of letting them gather dust in storage or discarding them, consider repurposing them. At Ecoverva, we believe in giving gadgets a new lease on life by selling or donating them to people who will appreciate them as much as you did. Another option is to trade your electronics in the market as used products, extending their utility and reducing waste.
Remember, every action counts, and together, we can turn the tide on e-waste.
