The Dangers of E-Waste

photo source: http://www.step-initiative.org/initiative/what-is-e-waste.php

What is e-waste?

E-waste is basically a term used to describe all types of electrical and electronic equipment with circuitry component or electrical components with power or battery supply (e.g. televisions, washing machines, computers, handphones) that are being disposed. As we enter the digital age, whereby everyone become fully dependent on technology, the amount of e-waste also continues to grow. Although there are no official figures on how much e-waste are produced and recycled here, Singaporeans are known to be big users of electrical and electronic products, thus we can imagine how extensive the problem of e-waste here.

photo source: http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/crazy-e-waste-statistics-explored-in-infographic.html

Why is e-waste dangerous?

Many people are unaware of the disastrous effects of throwing old electronics in the garbage. These waste are causing an environmental problem as most of the waste products contain toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury that can affect the environment as well as our health if they are incinerated or landfilled. In addition, there is also the problem of e-waste being discarded in developing countries such as China and India and are recycled in a harmful and pollutive manner. Here is a video on the problem of e-waste:

photo source: http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/crazy-e-waste-statistics-explored-in-infographic.html

What can we do?

Electronic gadgets such as handphones and laptops are constantly coming up with newer models. Try asking yourself whether it is a need to buy the latest or newest gadgets especially when the one you own is in good working condition. Do not give in to your want of owning the latest shiny gadget in the market. Remember to buy and only use what you need.

Instead of disposing the electrical and electronic items you do not want, you can try to give it away. There are many charities that are willing to accept your items and give it to those in need. Another way is to sell the items for cash. Like they always say; "One man's trash is another man's treasure!"

Instead of throwing away your gadgets or devices, you can actually bring them to an e-waste recycling collection centre. Some of the centres that participate in recycling e-waste is Nokia, Dell, HP, Toshiba and Canon. Here's a video of Nokia recycling their mobile phones: