How often do your electronics get replaced at home or work? While we don’t often think about the environment when purchasing the latest iPhone or next-generation LCD TVs, how we dispose of e-waste can significantly impact the environment. These are some tips to help you recycle electronic waste responsibly if you are upgrading your electronics.
4 WAYS TO RECYCLE ELECTRONIC WASTE.
Don’t put your e-waste into the trash can. This also applies to batteries. These items can contain toxic substances, which can pollute landfills.
If the device works.
Don’t throw away a working device or phone. Donate it to a worthy cause to maximise its lifespan. Computer Bank Hunter and Work Ventures are two examples of organisations that will make the most of your legacy electronics.
Find responsible recycling services
If your device isn’t working, find a responsible recycler close to you. It is important to verify with your recycling company that e-waste will not be sent to landfills in developing countries for burning or sorting. Ask how the e-waste will be handled. Also, ask if they have certifications if they recycle according to strict standards. It is worth looking for one that recycles your e-waste responsibly and has minimal impact on the environment and human health.
Find out more about your local recycling options.
Find out what options are available in your locality. You may be able to drop your e-waste off or have it collected. Check with the manufacturer to find out if they will accept your used electronics. Apple’s Renew program allows consumers to recycle their devices in-store or online. Harvey Norman, a retailer that accepts old TVs and other electronic waste, will often take them back if you are buying a new model. Recyclers often offer a free mail-in service for phones, so you don’t need to drop it off and arrange for collection.
Establish a policy for e-waste recycling
A recycling policy should be established for all e-waste generated by your business. Larger organisations may benefit from a waste audit and setting goals to reduce e-waste. Secure-erase procedures should be included in your policy to protect confidential information.
Consume less whenever possible. If you have to replace your appliances or devices, it is a good idea to recycle the old equipment responsibly. You have many options. Make sure you find an accredited recycler whose processes meet strict standards. You can help make the planet a better place by recycling your electronic waste responsibly.
WHY SHOULD YOU RECYCLE ELECTRONIC WASTE WITH CARE
Each year, Australians throw away millions of computers, phones, and TVs. E-waste can include everything, from phones and computers to televisions, copiers and scanners. E-waste includes any device that uses electricity, circuitry, or batteries. This means your old dryer, washing machine, and fridge are all considered e-waste. It is important to assess the amount of electronic waste in your home and workplace so that it doesn’t become clutter. There is $60B worth of clutter in Australian homes. So, recycling will help you keep your space tidy.
Why not recycle electronic waste responsibly?
4 Reasons to Recycle Electronic Waste
Reduce the toxic environmental levels
E-waste in Australia is three times more common than general waste. It accounts for 70% of the harmful chemicals found there. If not properly disposed of, chemicals like lead, cadmium and beryllium, as well as brominated flame retardants, can end up in the soil, air, and water. Responsible recyclers will find what can be reused and make sure that what cannot be returned to the manufacturing process can be safely disposed of.
Divert your waste from landfills
Recycling your e-waste responsibly will help you avoid wasting landfill space. Recycling your phones and computers to a responsible provider will save landfill space, as well as stop toxins from being released into the environment.
Repurposing electronics, metals
E-waste doesn’t have to be discarded. Our old electronics can contain precious metals like gold and rare earth. They require a lot of energy, time and resources to extract from the ground. You can extract the metal from e-waste and use it to make jewellery, metal plates, batteries, and other electronic products. We are ensuring that these metals don’t end up in landfills by recycling them.
Positive effects on the human health
Your old phone or computer can lead to serious conditions such as kidney disease, brain damage and genetic mutations. Guiyu in China is the capital of e-waste recycling. It has the highest concentration of dioxins and most children are exposed to lead poisoning. If e-waste is not burned, the health effects can be similar. To prevent developing countries from paying for their electronic lifestyles, responsible recycling is essential.
On Electrical Contractors is a leading service provider in the electrical industry. We provide outstanding five-star customer service to residential, commercial, industrial and commercial customers. Contact us today to learn more about how our electricians will help you maximise the life-cycle and maintain your electrical devices.
Electrical Contractors in SE Queensland
Electrical contractors in Queensland offer a comprehensive range of services across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. From Electrical Safety and Compliance to Electrical Wiring for New Homes, they cater to various needs, ensuring that all properties are safely and efficiently powered.
Residential Electrical Services
- Electrical Installations
- Lighting, power points, ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and appliances.
- Home Automation
- Smart home systems, lighting control, security systems, and Home Theatre Installation & Setup.
- Switchboard Upgrades
- Replacing old fuse boxes with modern switchboards featuring safety switches.
- Rewiring
- Full or partial rewiring of homes, especially older properties.
- Electrical Inspections
- Safety checks, compliance inspections, and pre-purchase inspections.
- Surge Protection
- Installation of surge protectors to safeguard electronic devices.
- Smoke Alarm Installation, Testing & Inspections
- Compliance with Queensland legislation requiring interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
- Outdoor Lighting
- Garden lighting, pool lighting, and security lighting.
- Energy Efficiency Solutions
- LED lighting upgrades, solar panel installations, and energy audits.
- Fault Finding and Repairs
- Diagnosing and repairing electrical issues.
- Renovations and Extensions
- Electrical work for home renovations and extensions.
Commercial Electrical Services
- Commercial Lighting
- Installation of interior and exterior lighting, including LED lighting and emergency lighting.
- Data and Communications
- Cabling for internet, phone systems, and data networks.
- Electrical Fit-outs
- Electrical work for new offices, retail spaces, and other commercial properties.
- Power Distribution
- Installation and maintenance of electrical panels, transformers, and power distribution systems.
- Security Systems Wiring Installation
- CCTV, access control, and alarm systems.
- Electrical Maintenance
- Regular maintenance and testing of electrical systems.
- Energy Management Systems
- Installation and monitoring of systems to reduce energy consumption.
- Testing and Tagging
- Compliance testing and tagging of electrical equipment.
- UPS Systems
- Installation and maintenance of uninterruptible power supply systems.
- HVAC Systems
- Electrical wiring for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Industrial Electrical Services
- Industrial Automation
- PLC programming, automation systems, and control panel installations.
- High Voltage Installations
- Installation and maintenance of high voltage systems and equipment.
- Machine Installations
- Electrical wiring and setup of industrial machinery.
- Electrical Maintenance
- Preventive and reactive maintenance for industrial electrical systems.
- Power Factor Correction
- Installation of equipment to improve power factor and reduce energy costs.
- Electrical Upgrades
- Upgrading electrical systems and infrastructure in industrial facilities.
- Instrumentation and Control
- Installation and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems.
- Emergency Power Systems
- Installation and maintenance of backup generators and other solutions.
- Hazardous Area Electrical Work
- Electrical work in hazardous environments, including explosive atmospheres.
- Electrical Design and Engineering
- Custom electrical system design and engineering services.
Additional Services Across Sectors
- Electrical Cost for New Home Construction
- Electrical Contractors For Building Sites
- Electrical Wiring Services
- Electrical Repair & Fault Finding Services
- Electrical Contractors For Real Estate & Property Managers
- Electrical Preventative Maintenance For Commercial & Industrial Machinery
- Three-Phase Power Upgrades & Installation
- Hot Water System Installation & Repairs Services
- Emergency & Exit Light Testing Electrical Services
- Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations Electrical Services
- Exhaust Fans & Bathroom Heating Installation Services
- Air Conditioning Services
- Electrical Appliance Installation
- Electrical Renovations & Extensions
- Electrical Safety Test Inspection
- Test and Tag Services
- Lighting Installation
- Power Point Installation, Upgrades & Replacement
- Switchboard Upgrade & Replacement
- Commercial Electrician
- Industrial Electrician
- Residential Electrician
- Home Automation Installations & Repairs
These services ensure that all properties, from homes to large industrial complexes, receive the highest level of electrical safety, efficiency, and innovation.