E-waste recycling has become a worldwide problem. It is a global problem that neither the manufacturers nor consumers have done enough to tackle. It is known that e-waste, like carbon, needs further study to be managed. A ground-breaking feasibility study on the use of carbon capture technology was launched in Singapore. Major points this article provides information about ongoing or possible efforts for e-waste management. Only 17% of electronic waste is being recycled in the world.
Many major tech companies, such as Microsoft, Google, and Dell, have pledged to tackle the growing problem of e-waste recycling. These companies are joining the global initiative to reduce e-waste. It is hoped that by 2030, there will be a circular economy of gadgets.
Other participants include Cisco, Glencore International, KPMG International, and Sims Limited.
Ewaste: Why Do World’s Leading Electronics Manufacturers Take In
The demand for new technology, such as computers and cell phones, is growing. Electronics manufacturers are eager to meet this demand. This means that the lifespan of electronic devices is decreasing. Sometimes, it can be less than one year. The last year has demonstrated how dependent technology is on our daily lives. According to the UN, around 50 million people worldwide produce electronic waste. There are approximately 50 million tonnes of electronic waste. Because so few of these obsolete products are being recycled, it is crucial to address the growing e-waste problem on a larger scale as the leading economies around the globe join forces to combat global warming.
What are Companies Doing about E-Waste Now?
Dell
The brand has partnered with PowerOn in order to purchase and recycle pre-owned electronics. Their e-waste recycling plan is unclear and vague beyond that. We can tell that Dell will implement the following in an effort to tackle the increasing problem of electronic waste.
- Participate in the acceleration of a circular economy for electronics
- Encourage customers to adopt a sustainable attitude when shopping for gadgets
- Dell plans to make its packaging 100% recyclable by 2030.
Apple
This company may be the leader in recycling unwanted electronics. Since 2013, they have relied on iPhones Trade-In. They plan to be completely carbon neutral by 2030. The Apple iPhone 11 was, for example, the first eco-friendly phone in the industry. The company is actively working to reduce the carbon footprint of its products.
Xiaomi
One of the top smartphone companies has introduced a take-back and recycling program. Customers receive a store credit for each used phone they return. Xiaomi plans to have at least 1150 electronic waste drop-off boxes set up for people to recycle their phones and batteries.
What can you do about e-waste in your household?
This one may seem obvious, but it is so important that we cannot emphasize enough: don’t throw away your electronic waste. Why? It is illegal in many countries. Second, many electronic components are made of toxic chemicals, which can be harmful to the environment. However, they can be recycled for rare and valuable parts. You can reuse almost any item that works but is not of value to you. There are many ways to dispose of tech stuff. You can drop it off at your local drop-off location or send it in via mail. You can find more information in our How To Properly Dispose Of Unwanted Technology blog.
Existing Online Purchase Back Programs
You have many options for selling electronic gadgets online. We’ve already discussed it in detail in previous posts. It is possible to sell your old laptop, smartphone, or other gadgets online. This will help ensure that the technology you don’t want lives on and does not pollute the environment. It can also make you a little extra money.
Bottom Line
E-waste growth is a global problem that needs immediate attention. While we all have the ability and obligation to address it, it is more than just recycling old electronics. It is time for big corporations to step up. To make a positive impact on the e-waste problem and have an effective role in it, leaders in tech should practice sustainability at all levels. It starts with ensuring that operations are powered by close to 100% renewable energy and that global supply chains are transparent and responsible. This is not the end. Our governments must work together to create clear e-waste regulations and laws that give citizens the tools they need to keep more e-waste out of landfills.
This post was written by Steven Elia Co-Founder and Recycling Director at eCycle Florida. eCycle Florida is an R2 Certified electronics recycling company in the state of Florida. Our processes and procedures are dedicated to the proper destruction and recycling of your electronics. eCycle Florida is your go-to for commercial electronic recycling