Tech waste is one of the major problems facing businesses and homes today. We can easily identify tech waste in our offices, but the same cannot be said for the rest of our homes. The reason is that technology is so closely connected to our lives that many people don’t realise it till they face a problem or when their daily activities become harder than they should be. From laptops to phones, this article aims at helping you reduce your tech waste at home or in your business.
On average, households in developed countries own 2.5 new devices every month. And what most people don’t realise is that throwing out old or unused electronics isn’t as easy as you might think it is. They often end up in landfills and even worse, end up in someone else’s hands to be discarded or broken down further into toxic components.
From phones to laptops to tablets, we are constantly upgrading our technology. What happens to all of our old tech waste? It often ends up in landfills, where it can leak harmful chemicals into the ground and water. In this article, we’ll explore seven reasons why e-waste recycling is important – for both homes and businesses.
Tech Waste is Toxic to Humans and the Environment
Recycling electronics is a great way to reduce the toxic waste produced by electronic devices. There are many toxic chemicals in the components of electronic devices, including lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants (BFRs), mercury, and arsenic. The Environmental Protection Agency has set standards for how much of these harmful chemicals should be contained in electronics and how much can be released into the environment during recycling.
Reduces the Number of Metals and Minerals
The amount of metal needed to make new electronics is significant. For example, one pound of copper produces 6 pounds of finished electronics; one pound of zinc produces 12 pounds; one pound of silver produces 48 pounds, and one pound of gold produces 120 pounds.
Conservation of Resources
Recycling tech waste also helps to conserve resources. Mining for the minerals and metals needed to create new technology takes a lot of energy and can damage the environment. recycling old devices helps to reduce the need for new mining.
Reduces the Use of Landfills
One of the main reasons you should recycle your tech waste is to reduce the use of landfills. Every year, millions of tons of electronic waste end up in landfills. This waste takes up valuable space and can pollute the environment. By recycling your tech waste, you can help to reduce the amount of electronic waste in landfills.
Helps Prevent Unwanted Data Theft
Recycling your tech waste helps to prevent unwanted data theft. When you recycle your old computers, phones, and other devices, you ensure that the data on them is properly erased. This prevents thieves from being able to access your personal information or business data.
Recycling is Good for Businesses
Recycling is good for businesses because it helps to reduce the amount of waste that businesses produce. Recycling also helps businesses save money on disposal costs. In addition, recycling can help businesses to improve their image and reputation with customers and the general public. Finally, recycling helps to protect the environment by reducing the need for new resources.
Helps Preserve and Protect Air and Water Quality
Recycling your tech waste helps preserve and protect air and water quality. When electronics are disposed of in landfills, they can leak harmful chemicals into the ground and water. These chemicals can then find their way into our air and water supply, causing serious health problems.
Taking everything into account
The recycling of technology is a good thing for the environment. It can be one of the easiest ways that we can get rid of our tech waste. Recycling technology ensures that electronic equipment won’t remain in landfills, where they can harm the environment—and it helps ensure that precious metals and materials aren’t tossed out as trash. Many electronic devices contain hazardous materials that can contaminate the soil and water if they end up in a landfill. recycling them ensures that these materials are properly disposed of so they don’t cause environmental damage.
And if you don’t want to recycle your old tech? There are plenty of other ways to reduce electronic waste. But perhaps all you need to do is reconsider your next purchase; think about whether you need to upgrade or buy more, or if an older, refurbished model will suffice.
Or consider giving away your old electronic devices to an e-waste recycling service centre such as Namo e-Waste, they utilise advanced technology and are staffed with qualified technicians. Visit the official website to know more about recycling!
