E-Waste - The Problem & Solution
The fastest growing section of recycling is e-waste. The world is hooked on electronics and these electronic devices get old, break or become out dated and end up in the trash or thrown along the road.
For a good definition of e-trash go to Wikipedia or follow this link. E-waste - Wikipedia
The sad part of this story is, many nations, are sending these discarded electronic devices containing hazardous materials into the hands of children and adults who dismantle and sell usable parts.
It is a fact; electronic waste is still being exported to developing countries. Workers burn the goods and salvage the usable material and then sell it for high profits. The cost to the environment and individual health is astronomical. It is time we take responsibility for our indulgence of electronic goods.
The two items in the picture above have been sitting behind a local store for over a month. Honestly, I don't know who put them there but I am going to move them in the next few days. I am learning a lot of things about e-trash.
What is the Solution?
One solution to this problem is in your hands, don't throw your old computer, phone or printer along side of the road. Come on, take a little responsibility and do the right thing. Outlined in this section are many ways to deal with your e-trash. Just keep reading and decide to do the next right thing.
Did You Know
California and other states have passed laws making it illegal to throw electronics along the road or placed in inappropriate places.
Abandonment of e-waste constitutes illegal disposal of hazardous waste and will be prosecuted.
Click on this link to learn more. California Link
What do I do with E-WASTE?
Thee microwave and little refrigerator in the picture above have been sitting in the same place for a long time. As I mentioned, I didn't know what to do with them.
If you read the page on recycling you might understand my ignorance. I didn't no what to do with plastic bottles until I moved to California. It might be a good idea to click on the recycle page and read the story. Anyway, now I know what to do with the items. It is sad that someone just dropped the nasty things off behind a store. I promise I will take them to the right place tomorrow. Remember this site is about real life.
When your computer dies or your cell phone stops working where do you take them?
This article from Natural Resources Defense Council will give you the information needed to recycle e-goods.
Depending on where you live and the products you want to recycle, you can:" Find an e-waste collection event in your town" Send your used tech stuff back to the manufacturer" Head to a nearby retailer that accepts old electronics
You may also be able to take advantage of the United States Postal Service's free e-waste recycling program. As of 2008, 1,500 post offices will provide free envelopes for you to mail back small electronics such as inkjet cartridges, PDAs, digital cameras and MP3 players. USPS started the program in 10 areas across the country, including Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and San Diego, but may expand it to other regions if it proves successful.
Most e-waste recycling services are free, but some charge a fee (around $10) to take back a computer or a box of old electronics. See the following list of manufacturers, retailers and databases of local recycling services to find the best option for you. You may also want to contact your city or county solid waste management agency to find out about e-waste collection events near you.
E-Waste Recycling Organizations
Wireless...The New Recyclable (for used cell phones)
Basel Action Network
National Recycling Coalition
E-Cycling Central
Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
This list does not include every manufacturer that accepts used products. Check out your manufacturer's website to find out its recycling policy -- terms and conditions for take-back can vary widely between companies.
Apple (also provides free other-brand cell phone and battery recycling at retail stores)
Dell
Hewlett-Packard
Gateway
Nokia
Motorola
This list does not include every retailer that accepts used products. Check out your retailer's website to find out its recycling policy -- programs can vary widely between retailers.
Staples
Office Depot
Best Buy
KNOW WHERE IT GOES?
The key to responsible tech recycling is knowing where your stuff will end up. Watch out for any recycler who ships discarded electronics to developing countries for processing.
Avoiding sending our garbage overseas saves on greenhouse gas emissions and helps protect workers in developing countries. As reported in a 2006 OnEarth Magazine article, upwards of 80 percent of the world's e-waste is transported to Asia, and most of it winds up in China. Workers who disassemble consumer electronics by hand are exposed to toxic substances, which also contaminate groundwater.
The Basel Action Network provides a list of recyclers who have pledged to recycle domestically and to follow environmental guidelines. You can also help ensure that local e-waste collection events are contracting with reputable recyclers by asking organizers to publicize the names of the recycling companies involved.
DONATE OR SELL
Giving away or selling used electronics are great ways to extend their use and keep them out of landfills. The EPA and eBay provide lists of organizations that accept donations of used electronics. Some services provide second-hand computers to schools or nonprofits, so your old computer could become a valuable tool for someone in need.
TAKE ACTION
NRDC, along with the Electronics Take Back Coalition, is working to establish e-waste recycling laws in states around the country. Right now 11 states (California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, Virginia and West Virginia) have laws in place that mandate recycling of discarded electronics. Numerous other states are also moving towards enacting e-waste laws. In 2008, New York City passed the nation's first comprehensive municipal electronics recycling law. Federal e-waste legislation is likely some years away.
NRDC backs e-waste laws that require manufacturers to assume responsibility for taking back and recycling their used products. Such laws -- which have been adopted by almost all states that have passed e-waste legislation to date -- encourage the design of less toxic, more easily recyclable gadgets. NRDC also supports strict manufacturer reporting requirements and other measures to limit the export of e-waste abroad.Find out more about current state e-waste legislation.
Would you want your child to touch something you knew would hurt them? No, you wouldn't so why allow big business to put harmful things into the hands of helpless children.
Keep our Towns Beautiful
I live in Cambria, California the most beautiful town in the world. I want to keep my town clean and free from all e-waste. Please join with me in this fight to clean up the streets of Cambria, the nation, and the world. Take a look at Cambria, California click on the link. Cambria
Do you have any used cell phones hiding around your house? Hey, recycling these things can be easy and worth money. You can also donate and help a soldier. Why don't you read the rest of this page to find out how to help a soldier or recycle these suckers and make a few dollars?
As I was clicking around researching this subject I found a great site which will allow you to help a soldier fighting for our country and get rid of that old cell phone in the process. I am really high on donating a cell phone to help a soldier. Please take a good look at donating. Donate your phone for a soldier to call home.
Old Computers - Recycling Computers
What do you do with those old computers? As soon as a computer hits the market, it is outdated. People are buying new computers faster than rabbits reproduce. Computer technology explodes, old computers replaced with new ones. This explosion leaves computers relics in cluttered alleys, streets and land fills.
click here for more information Recycling/Donating Old Computers
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