Be Part of the E-Waste Recycling Solution

It is easy to think that one person (or company) cannot make a difference in terms of reducing our global carbon footprint or by the way we choose to make individual choices regarding recycling or greener ways of living. But the truth is, what we do on a micro level definitely has an impact at the global level. Here are some of the top ways to become a part of the e-waste recycling solution.

Consume Less

Sure, it’s tough to pass up that latest piece of technology or new phone upgrade. But just because we qualify for a phone upgrade doesn’t mean we have to take it, right? The fewer you accumulate, the fewer you have to get rid of.

Recycle Properly

Technology requires a special sort of handling. There are dangerous chemical compounds and metals in these items that can greatly impact your health (or the health of the land and others) if they leach into the environment. Going with a certified recycling service ensures you are properly recycling the item.

Consider The Global Impact

Many Americans do not realize the impact their landfill trash has on the rest of the world. With somewhere between 20 – 50 million metric tons of e-waste disposed worldwide, some “recyclers” simply sell this trash to third party dealers who sort the through the trash, breaking apart the pieces for access to the precious metals, in conditions that are hardly safe or equitable for the workers.

Look For “Take Back” Days Or Manufacturer Returns

The TakeBack Coalition, for example, hosts several days throughout the year where people can bring in their unwanted technology and recycle it safely. In most states, manufacturers are required by law to cover the cost of collecting this sort of recycling and usually provide some sort of return process for outdated electronics. The only downside, though, is that one cannot always guarantee that the manufacturer won’t sell the recycled products to a developing country buyer.

It certainly is worth making the effort to properly deal with all those phones, office equipment and other technology. One of the primary reasons is the recovery of reusable (but sometimes very dangerous) metals. Some studies suggest that for every 1 million cell phones recycled, over 35,000 pounds of copper, 700 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered. This makes such items an alluring target for a business in a developing country without the proper handling standards or labor rights.