What are the Dangers of eScrap?

Americans produce an average of about 30 pounds of eScrap per person every year. The electronic and electrical equipment used today have a relatively short life. In addition, they will  add to a growing pile of waste. eScrap recycling is beneficial by reducing the amount of waste.

Every year, the volume of telephones, televisions and computers in the world increases by 2.5 million metric tons.

eScrap refers to electronic products nearing the end of their useful life. Furthermore, computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common electronic products. Yet, there are a few of these products that are not reusable.

Electronic waste currently makes up 2-3% of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream, however, it is responsible for almost 70% of our toxic waste.

eScrap is out of date electronic devices that are ready for disposal. Furthermore, recycling services like eScrapGuru.com buy these used devices and discard them properly. Nonetheless, to understand what eScrap is, one must be familiar with the different components.

• Adapters
• CD ROM
• Floppy drives
• Fans
• Hard drives
• Keyboards
• Docking stations
• Printers
• Copiers
• Fax machines
• Modems
• Routers
• Switches
• Transformers
• Ethernet cables
• Heat sinks

These are just a few examples. Additionally, there are batteries, boards, precious metals, and whole units too.

Certain components of some electric products contain materials that make them hazardous, depending on their condition and density.

According to a recent report by the United Nations University, the production of 53.6 million tons of eScrap occurred around the globe in 2019. Consequently, the overall amount of eScrap is expected to double by 2030.

Most of the expired electronic and electrical equipment ends up in large scrap yards, which are offer no protection to the environment. Thus, there is a flow of toxic substances going into the environment.

In 2019, these included an estimated 50 tons of mercury, and 98 million tons of CO2 equivalents from discarded refrigerators and air conditioners.

Furthermore, electronic waste affects nearly every system in the human body because the materials that make up eScrap. Thus, the components contain a vast number of toxic components, including mercury, lead, cadmium, and more.

As a result, whenever companies recycle eScrap, toxic waste that would have polluted landfills is now safe and reusable for different items. Moreover, with increasingly more technology used each day,  eScrap recycling becomes more and more fundamental. eScrap recycling is green because:

• Reduces environmental pollution
• Provides raw materials for industries
• Acts as a source of funds

In fact, four fifths of eScrap is not recycled. Therefore, this amounts to tragedy as unprocessed eScrap are a major environmental hazard which could in many instances provide a significant source of revenue.