What is Electronic Waste?

Over the last ten years or so (since the theory of Global Warming became a household word) there has been an increased awareness of pollution, recycling options, and what to do with waste in its many forms. Even if you do not subscribe to all of the claims made about our increasingly fragile environment, you most likely turn an ear toward discussions about how to have a more functionally clean society. One lesser-known form of waste that doesn't get much media coverage, at least not in the United States, is electronic waste.

But what is electronic waste and what can we do about it? Electronic waste is loosely defined as electronic machinery that is past its "life", rendering it obsolete in its condition. This is not to say that many of the parts cannot be used to enhance other bits of machinery, but few people know what to do with a computer that they have had for over five years, much less ten. They usually end up simply throwing it away. This defines electronic waste.

Computers and Monitors: Computers, along with the monitors that accompany them, make up a large percentage of electronic waste, as people are constantly upgrading their machines...not to mention many of them crash, leaving them unusable. Fortunately, there are organizations to which you can donate your used machinery who will gladly take the time to see that it gets recycled or disposed of properly.

Cell Phones: Few people consider keeping their broken cell phones once they can't use them anymore. Cell phones are dropped, ruined by water, or cracked all the time, and the number of phones that are simply thrown away daily is staggering. Eventually, landfills will be overcrowded with these devices – unless we do something about it. Many large department and grocery stores have now set up bins at the front of their stores in which you can deposit your unwanted phone or small gaming system. Look for these and use them instead of increasing landfill size; the right companies see these devices as invaluable or recyclable.

The problem with such pieces of electronics is that they contain elements that can be harmful to humans and animals, such as lead or mercury. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious health problems, especially in children and the elderly. Awareness is the first step in providing easy solutions to this burgeoning problem.

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