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.
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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.