As we continue our coverage around waste, there’s no way we could go on without breaking down electronic waste (e-waste). Of course alternatives to recycling e-waste include reduced consumption, repair, and reuse, however, we felt electronics are more and more a part of our lives and deserve thoughtful consideration for end of life disposal.
E-waste is created when items with a battery or plug (computers, phones, refrigerators, printers, TVs, etc) become obsolete. Often, e-waste has been collected and exported to overseas countries for disassembly and “recycling” of plastic, metal, and glass components. This work is done in formal or informal markets where regulations can be lacking for workers’ safety and health, as well as the earth’s. Such exposure to heavy metals and other chemicals can disrupt cognition and organ function, as well as leach into water and food systems, impacting already impoverished communities.
Some e-waste facts:
Americans now own approximately 24 electronic products per household (Natl. Conference of State Legislators).
Global e-waste has gone up 21% in 5 years according to the Global E-waste Monitor.
The excessive amount of lead in e-waste, if released into the environment, could cause severe damage to human blood and kidneys, as well as central and peripheral nervous systems (Phys.org’s coverage of a study done by the Institute of Physics).
Producing a computer along with its monitor takes at least 1.5 tons of water, 48 pounds of chemicals, and 530 pounds of fossil fuels (Francis O. Adeola).
Recycling 1 million laptop computers can save enough energy to run 3,500 U.S. homes for a year (EPA).
e-waste
learning more & reducing our impact
We encourage you this week to read up and act on the state of e-waste today globally:
You can check out The Global E-waste Monitor 2020 which provides up-to-date data on global e-waste, and how international progress fits into the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
You might also watch “Manufactured Landscapes” as “photographer Edward Burtynsky travels the world observing changes in landscapes due to industrial work and manufacturing” (IMDb).
And locally:
WA State Department of Ecology is doing a great job of providing free and accessible e-waste collection and recycling services. Click here for more info on what is accepted by the E-Cycle Washington program.
Recyclers must meet performance standard guidelines and most recycling is done in the state, reducing the risk of exporting e-waste to less regulated countries.
Only ~2% of e-waste in WA goes to the landfill (“mostly particle board from cabinet TVs”) according to their FAQ section.
So far, WA has recycled 419,962,778 lbs of e-waste.
In being good local/global neighbors and living as people of the Way, we hope these resources are helpful for future education and action. Happy e-waste recycling!