E-waste, or electronic waste, is the waste that is created when an electronic product is put in the landfill rather than recycled.
Despite the negative effects of improperly disposed of e-waste, many people are still ignorant about the best ways to get rid of this waste.
Yet, many organizations are now devoted to spreading awareness about this waste through comprehensive reports and analyses.
In this article, the correct way to dispose of e-waste is discussed. Towards the end of the article, some benefits of properly disposing of e-waste are offered.
Where to Dispose of Electronics
The best way to dispose of electronics is to give them to a local e-waste center.
These are more prevalent than you might think, as many states in the US have centers devoted to this purpose.
These centers accept most electronics that can be plugged into an outlet or can run on a battery. In fact, many of these sites have a drive-through service that makes dropping off e-waste very convenient for residents.
These centers are usually only opened from 9 am to 5 pm during the week, though some centers might be opened for a limited time on Saturday.
Everything from televisions and computers to cell phones, game consoles, microwaves, dishwashers, and wires are typically accepted.
Before you attempt to dispose of your electronics, make sure to check the website of the center you are visiting. Some centers have rules regarding the disposal of certain electronics. For example, some centers don’t accept refrigerators or items containing liquid mercury.
If you are a business, then many of these centers will even pick-up your leftover electronics. All you have to do is call or e-mail the center and arrange for a pick-up. This pick-up service usually costs money given the amount of time and labor required.
The Main Benefits of Disposing E-Waste
One of the main benefits of disposing e-waste at a center is that it saves energy.
This is because e-waste can be reused when making new products, which minimizes the energy that manufacturers have used.
It’s estimated that 530 pounds of fossil fuels, 48 pounds of chemicals, and 1.5 tons of water are used to manufacture a single computer monitor.
Burning fossil fuels leads to greenhouse gas emissions which can contribute to global warming.
Additionally, properly disposing of e-waste avoids the toxic waste that is produced when this waste is put in the landfill. This toxic waste can negatively impact the environment and lead to a state of planetary imbalance.
As a business, scheduling for your e-waste to be picked up could simplify your workspace. Some companies hold on to old electronics for years, which can create a disorganized space that negatively impacts employee productivity.
Final Thoughts on the Future of E-Waste Disposal
Learning the facts concerning improperly disposed of e-waste is one of the first steps in changing your waste practices.
If you live in Silicon Valley, then Green E-waste Recycling Center offers a disposal drop-off location for residents and a pick-up service for businesses. These services apply to the cities of San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Fremont, Milpitas, Campbell, Cupertino, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Redwood City.
If everyone properly disposed of their old electronics, then tons of energy would be saved each year, resulting in a healthier planet.