Electronic waste affects nearly every system in the human body due to the materials that make up eScrap contain toxic components, including mercury, lead, cadmium, and more. Therefore, creating a need for recycling eScrap.
eScrap refers to electronic products nearing the end of their useful life. Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are popular electronic products.
Electronic waste currently constitutes 2-3% of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream, yet it’s responsible for almost 70% of our toxic waste. Carnegie Mellon University has predicted that there are already 70 million computers in our landfills.
In the age of technology, developments are constantly being made. With more advancements comes more exceptional technology which renders older items obsolete resulting in further amounts of eScrap.
The average computer screen has at least five to eight pounds of lead, representing 40% of all the lead in U.S. landfills.
Toxic elements of eWaste, random dumping or disposal can be dangerous to human health and the environment. Populations surrounding the improper disposal of computer and electronics risk developing serious diseases and experiencing certain medical conditions due to inhalation of these harmful substances.
Proper eWaste recycling reduces all of these forms of pollution.
In addition, eScrap recycling protects natural resources. Most of the resources in nature are non-renewable. With recycling, companies can produce new products using the same materials. This helps reduce pollution, save energy, and protect natural resources.
Waste is a global problem and governments around the world are in search to reduce the space need for landfills. Sometimes, these landfills are covering areas that are suitable for agriculture or housing. By participating in eWaste recycling, you will be able to reduce the space needed for landfills and directly reduce the pollution.
Now that the benefits of recycling eScrap has been discussed, it is important to understand the recycling process.
