When Europe mandated electronics companies to support USB-C chargers entirely by 2026, many rejoiced for convenience’s sake. Understandably, one kind of charger across brands and products is much easier than keeping track of variations. However, the frequent change in technology, leaving millions of products and wires obsolete, becomes additions to the mountainous e-waste accrual.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), e-waste is one of the fastest-growing streams of waste production in the world. As of 2022, less than a quarter of the 62 million tonnes of e-waste around the world were recorded as properly recycled and discarded. When e-waste, composed primarily of computers and household appliances, is disposed of improperly, neurotoxicants like lead can be released into the environment.
Much of the world’s e-waste arrives in countries with less disposal regulation — pregnant women and children are especially susceptible to potential chemical exposure. Many of the products disposed of incorrectly still contain valuable resources and informal waste picking/scavenging networks often employ children. The ILO estimates more than 16 million children work in the industrial and waste processing sector while the number of child laborers in the informal industry is unknown.
Pregnant women working in e-waste processing are at risk of lead and mercury exposure, significantly increasing the potential for neonatal and neurodevelopmental complications. Some of the largest e-waste sites are in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, China, Kenya, and the Philippines.
While the influx of old Apple chargers is unlikely to make a dent in the massive amounts of other waste, reducing e-waste production at any level is a necessary step to diminish landfills and protect populations around the world. A United States Geology survey found that recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent used by 3,500 homes. Here are a few best practices to ensure e-waste is recycled and disposed of properly.
Recycling batteries
E-waste and battery disposal regulations depend on the locality around the country (visit Call2Recycle.org for state-specific steps). The Environmental Protection Agency advises against throwing away lithium-ion batteries along with household garbage and discarded at household waste collection sites.
Recycling products
When it comes to larger electronic products, there are a number of ways to extend the lifespan of technology before moving toward disposal or recycling. Repairing and reselling are the first recommended steps to preserve the longevity of devices before they need to be processed through e-waste facilities.
Once these devices have reached the end of their usage, there are a number of steps consumers should take to recycle products properly.
Wiping personal information, separating batteries from devices, and sealing any broken parts in a separate bag are necessary first steps for recycling electronic devices. Companies like Apple and Samsung have return programs for recyclable products while suppliers like Best Buy and Goodwill accept e-waste recycling as well. Organizations like e-stewards are committed to high standards for e-waste handling.
Municipalities and states have provided various programs for technology recycling around the country. As electronics are constantly evolving, consumers can ensure changing devices and products don’t go to waste and stay out of landfills.
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