 So you just got a new cell phone. Your computer recently conked out, so you bought a new one. What do you do with the old mobile phone and the old computer. How do you dispose of this E-waste?
What is E-Waste?
E-waste is modern electronic waste including things like TVs, computers, stereos, monitors, mobile phones, printer cartridges, keyboards, scanners, printers, mice, etc. E-waste is the fastest growing source of waste in North America.
Just think about the size of some of these items and imagine them piling up in the landfill! Why is this such a problem? It’s because electronic equipment rapidly becomes outdated or obsolete due to the rapid pace of technological advances.
In fact, about 130 million phones are “retired” each year, headed for landfills. What makes E-waste so detrimental to landfills and the planet? Much of E-waste is toxic and contains toxins like chromium, lead, and mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and nickel that can leach into the soil and water.
All this information, begs the question: What can we do better to alleviate E-waste from piling up in our landfills? The answer is simple: reduce, reuse, and recycle. The three Rs!
Reduce. The first method to reduce E-waste is to simply reduce your consumption of electronic gadgets and equipment. Carefully consider and research every electronic purchase from cell phones to keyboards to printer cartridges. If there is nothing wrong with your current electronics or if you don’t really need the new electronic you have your eye on, pass it up. Wait to buy it until you really need it, if you need it at all.
Reuse. If you are in the market for new electronic equipment – after you have given it careful consideration, of course – reuse or repurpose your existing equipment. Give your “old” computer to your children to use, for example. Or better yet, donate it! Here are some sites to help you donate your outdated electronic equipment:
Recycle. When you aren’t able to resist the purchase and you can’t donate it, be sure to recycle it! A wide variety of electronics can be recycled, including computers, TVs, cell phones, and printer cartridges. Here are a few helpful sites to get this stuff off your shelf and away from the landfill.
For cell phones, try Epa.gov. Many mobile phone providers, including Verizon Wireless, will accept used mobile phones for recycling.
Printer cartridges are accepted for recycling at most FedEx Kinko’s or Office Max locations, and Ink Stop locations. Freecycling.com offers you cash for your used, empty ink jet cartridges—who would have thought you could make a little green while being green!
Hopefully these tips and resources will help you better dispose of your E-waste!
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