Electronic gadgets are important in many industries. In one way or another, you are benefiting from the features of an electronic device. Televisions, GPS devices, MP3 players, computers, and cell phones are common in American and British households.
The electronic industry generates $2 billion per year. According to statistics, Americans own 3 billion appliances and gadgets. For each new device launched in the market, one or more become obsolete or outdated.
In 1997, surveys revealed that over 20 million personal computers became obsolete. In 2005, about 130,000 computer units were discarded in one day. According to CEA or Consumer Electronics Association, many monitors, cellphones, Televisions, and VCRs were removed from American households in 2006.
These are the reasons why methods and businesses were established for the purpose of recycling end-of-life electronics:
The Lifecycle of Electronic Products
– Approximately 42 percent of the appliances and devices sold between 1980 to 2004 have been disposed or recycled, while 9 percent are in storage.
– In 2005, about 180 million electronic products were stored. Another 460 million were reused. Computers account for 24 percent of recycled units. By weight, televisions account for approximately 52 percent of stored electronic products.
– Between 2003 and 2005, about 85 percent of end-of-life electronics in the US were recycled. These statistics are based on the results of the surveys conducted by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Benefits of Recycling E-waste: Conserves natural resources
Recycling recovers valuable materials like lead and copper from old electronics. These materials can be utilized to make new products. Consequently, you can save energy and natural resources and help reduce pollution.
You can also help in reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. When you recycle electronics parts, you prevent them from being burned in landfills and garbage processing plants.
Benefits of Recycling E-waste:
Environmental Protection
Recycling e-waste, or electronic waste, promotes proper management and handling of harmful chemical substances such as cadmium and lead. E-waste stream contains the said toxic elements.
Creates jobs and business opportunities
Recycling e-waste creates many business and job opportunities for professional recyclers and semi-skilled workers. It also supports the market for recycled materials.
According to GCLcevre, or GCL Refining and Recycling, a trading group specializing in precious metals and electronic waste recovery, the industry contributes to the growth of Turkey’s economy. By recovering valuable metals like palladium, silver, gold, and copper, they reduce waste and support a million dollar industry.
Copper, in particular, is long-lasting and durable. Because of its thermal and electrical conductivity, copper is utilized in switches, transformers, and conductors production. Further, copper from old appliances can be reused in the manufacturing of new electronics products. Electronic circuit boards contain about 20% copper.
The Takeaway:
The procedures involved in the recycling of end of life electronics paved the way for a growing industry. E-waste management requires the completion of several methods. These include refurbishing, shipping, and sorting of reusable electronics.
The field of e-waste recycling is a vast and growing industry. It demands thousands of workers. This creates lots of business and job opportunities, and in turn, it can boost the economy of a country. Recent studies have revealed that an e-waste recycling business produces more or less 30 jobs.