Electronics recycling
In the modern world, technological advancement has significantly benefited society with new cheap electronic devices such as computers and mobile devices. However, the extreme growth in the electronics industry has resulted in the fast-escalating issue of electronic waste (e-waste). The e-waste pollutes the environment by releasing toxic elements such as mercury, lead, barium, thallium, and many more into soil and water. Also, e-waste can cause air pollution through emission of toxic gases when these wastes are burnt, resulting in harsh and hazardous living conditions to people. Therefore, the government, manufacturers, and consumers have the responsibility of recycling outdated equipment to prevent the accumulation of e-waste on the environment.
The benefits of electronics recycling (eCycling) include: first, eCyclicng is a rich source of raw materials since e-waste contains deposits of precious metal such as gold. Secondly, it is an effective way of solid waste management due to the rapid escalation in the production of solid e-waste. Thirdly, environmental protection through preventing toxic materials being released into the environment. Fourthly, reducing health risks to residents of developing nations with primitive recycling approaches by diminishing the international movement of hazardous waste to these countries.
E-waste possesses a significant risk to developing nations since they lack proper funds or resources to dispose of these waste properly. The escalating issue of e-waste worsens in these nations because numerous developed countries prefer shipping their e-waste to these developing nations since they find it cheaper and more convenient. The improper disposal of the accumulating e-waste in these nations results in various hazardous environmental and health effects. For example, the ecological effects include toxic elements being released to the environment leading to environmental degradation and negative ecosystem impacts. Also, e-waste can cause significant health effects to residents of these nations through exposure to toxic materials leading to severe health conditions such as cancer, asthma, and many more.
The state or federal government should implement an eCycling program for electronics to encourage the safe disposal of obsolete equipment. This can be achieved through the state or federal government adopting laws and policies that enhance and make it cheaper for consumers and businesses to recycle their obsolete equipment properly. The eCycling program can help prevent dangerous effects on the environment, such as toxic materials from e-waste being released into local groundwater supplies. Also, the program can assist local companies in reducing their high recycling cost of exporting their e-waste to developing nations with primitive recycling approaches, thus saving these nations from the risk of adverse environmental and human health effects.