E-Waste is a Major Problem. What Can You Do About It?

April 28, 2022

E-waste is a considerable problem, and not just for businesses; it's also terrible for the environment. Let's go over some of the biggest reasons why discarded electronics, including some of the hardware that you invest so much money into, can be problematic, as well as some ways your organization can reduce its e-waste footprint.

What is E-Waste?

"E-waste" is a term used to cover all electronics that are no longer being utilized and have been thrown out. These devices are often made of precious metals that can cause a lot of harm to the environment in the long term. We're not just talking about computers or laptops; we are talking about all electronics, from smartphones to appliances to office equipment. A device doesn't necessarily have to be "smart" in order to qualify as e-waste, either. Any electronic device can be considered e-waste, and considering how integrated they have become with our lifestyles, it's easy to see how the problem has spiralled out of control.

People are Trying to Draw Attention to the Problem of E-Waste...

...and some of their ideas are pretty darn creative.

Why Recycling Matters

Here are some benefits of recycling old electronics:

• Reducing landfill space and protecting the environment, as the more that is recycled, the less that winds up in a landfill to have the dangerous materials inside seep into the ecosystem.
• Theoretically, it helps control pricing, because recycling old materials means that less needs to be produced from raw materials.
• Protects your data (although you should always remove your data before recycling your electronics) as proper channels are required to ensure that data is properly removed.

 

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