Internet access and computer usage is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the world. did you know that almost 80% of the world population owns a computer and uses it almost every day? No surprise as to what must have hiked these numbers over the past years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the statistics on this website, this includes everything from personal computers to laptops, mobile phones, gaming consoles and more about this is included below. At the moment, one of the most used items on this list is smartphones. Much like any other items we own, all of these commodities have a shelf-life too.
When this happens, we simply decide to throw them away and get ourselves new ones or leave them gathering dust, only to find them hidden somewhere beneath our other items, which renders them inoperable. All these things can be avoided, and before you decide to throw out your e-waste, there are a few things we should let you know about.
We have gathered some vital information for you to think about the next time your items expire.
Things to Take Note of Before You throw Out Your E-waste
What happens if you don’t recycle your e-waste?
Once you throw your items out into the garbage bins, there is never any assured way that they will get processed in the right manner. Were talking about recycling.
Places such as landfills often have hazardous substances and toxic materials in them from all sorts of items. When you add to this when you discard your electronic waste, it only adds to the problem and does not create a solution. Some countries have strict protocols and regulations built around them regarding this, and the waste that is picked up by the relevant authorities, need to be recycled appropriately.
An example of one would be the City of Albuquerque which has its own set of rules under its government for solid waste and similar items. Anything from metal items to plastics and paper is recycled accordingly: https://www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/recycling/acceptable-materials
What solutions do you have to get rid of your e-waste?
The two most popular options are recycling, and refurbishing solutions. One gets rid of them ethically and safely and the other is fixed to work or be a better version of it. Choosing one of these options is far better than throwing your belonging away.
Especially due to the toxins it releases into the air when it burned at the landfills, plus it can save you money if you get them refurbished. Sometimes it may be the case you get a better working laptop or desktop personal computer than you had previously, just by taking it to the computer store and asking them to refurbish it for you. You can also sell it to second-hand stores that can do the same and resell it.
Are there waste disposal companies that do this?
The simple answer to this is yes, there are. Every city or council should have a recycling and waste disposal company that handles things once you throw them in the garbage bins. One great example in Albuquerque is the Albuquerque computer & electronics recycling co which does it for you, whether you are a business or use it at a commercial property, all you need to do is take your things to them and they will recycle it for you.
To guarantee this is done, many places like these have licenses and certifications of authority that help keep communities free from unsafe dumping grounds and toxins that can harm both humans and animals if left exposed. When you take your items to them make sure they have a certificate, for instance, the ISO 14001:2015 and NAID membership and are registered with relevant authorities like an environmental authority or department.
The effects of this type of pollution have become so bad throughout the world that governments are starting to enforce these regulations onto companies because not everyone abides by them.
What is considered in the category of e-waste?
If you are wondering what types of things are considered under this category, these include anything electronic. Common examples include electronic components, computers, laptops, cables, mobile phones, cords or plus, televisions, home appliances like items you use in your kitchen and bedroom, children’s toys that run on batteries.