Every year thousands of new technologies are created to replace their quickly outdated predecessors, but what happens to the old models? According to the Environmental Protection Agency about 2.6 million tons of electronic waste (e-waste) was deposited into landfills in 2007, while only 408,000 tons was recycled. E-waste includes computers, cell phones, camera, and many other electronic devices that are simply discarded. The major issue with the disposal of these devices into landfills is the many toxic materials that they contain. These chemicals which include Lead, Mercury and Cadmium can then contaminate ground water or pollute the air when incinerated. Currently policy makers are beginning to understand the risk that e-waste posses to our health and the environment.
Within the United States e-waste is a topic of growing concern. A number of states have already instated regulations for e-waste, banning different devices from entering landfills and pushing recycling. Many of these programs are still being improved upon or are not monitored closely enough to have a powerful effect. These regulations are currently only working to stop a small amount of e-waste that enters landfills. A major issue also connected to e-waste is the transport of it to developing countries, such as regions in China, for it to be “recycled” at low cost and high health risk of local residents. The Basel Convention (of 1989) looked to halt this process and for many nations has, but as of 1997 the US still has not accepted its terms. Some US companies are initiating recycling programs to retake used devices but are not making major impacts or are not fully following through with their programs. The growing concern in the US has sparked an interest about how to deal with e-waste but little has been accomplished so far.
There are several ways the US can work to solve its e-waste problem. The first is to reuse, repair and recycle. By donating old working products they can earn longer life spans reducing the need for them to be thrown away. Repairing older or broken products rather than purchasing a new one will also cut back on e-waste. In the event that a device has reached the end of its life span or cannot be repair companies like e-stewards provide solutions for many corporations, take-back programs, and individuals to recycle electronic devices. Several Corporations have begun successful reclamation programs, such as Best Buy, Apple, and Staples, that allow you to drop off old devices which are then evaluated for recycling or reuse for free There are many ways that the US can reduce e-waste that is introduced into the environment but without a stronger push with legislation from the federal government there will be little enforced action taken.
I definitely agree with the views expressed in this article. Almost every other month, we are bombarded with advertisement for new technology, leading us to believe that we need to trade-up for the new best thing. In reality though, people are not using their electronic devices to their full lifespan, so some e-waste could be refurbished and sold again. I think the programs started by Best Buy, Apple, and Staples are necessary and allow them to take responsibility for the products they sell. Companies are taught that monitoring a product from cradle to grave is an important part of running a good business. Federal laws would help the situation, but it is ultimately up to the companies that sell electronic devices to also set up a process for their disposal.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that the disposal of e-waste is an extremely important environmental problem. Many individuals do not realize the consequences of simply throwing away an electronic. I think that individual electronic companies need to work to inform their consumers throughly of the consequences of improper e-waste disposal. I also believe that part of the solution to this problem needs to start with the local government. I think local government should open designated e-waste collection spots so that it would be easier for individuals to dispose of their waste. Along with this, electronic companies could inform consumers of the closest collection spot upon purchase of their electronic. I think if e-waste disposal was made easier then it would happen more often.
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