Electronic waste is more than improperly discarded batteries. The term encompasses nearly all appliances and digital devices that have the potential to become part of a landfill, and includes kitchen accessories as well as outdated computers. Once a limited issue, the problem is no longer restricted to wealthier consumer countries. Recycling and disposing of Austin e-waste efficiently and economically is a shared goal of most large Texas cities.
Dealing with this issue has become more urgent because of the numbers of people worldwide who can now afford to purchase and use them. Broken electronics are rarely repaired because newer, improved versions are constantly being offered to consumers, making maintenance irrelevant. Although the extreme toxins they contain consistently make headlines, they are not the only reason for proper disposal.
Inside each unit a variety of precious metals exists. Even though the original computer cathode ray display monitors are gone, any device containing a printed circuit board still contains a very small but financially significant amount of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Metals with more exotic names such as indium and gallium also play an important part in new technologies, and have a measurable value when extracted.
Although melting down unused cell phones to extract valuable metals does not make sense individually, in large quantities the process produces more refined metal than the original ore that bore it. Costly and comparatively rare elements are only a fraction of the metals used during manufacturing a mobile phone, which also contains copper and tin. The plastics used to create housings can also be partially reused.
The key is collecting and processing those discarded items profitably. Individuals routinely do this type of work, which can be handled more efficiently by a business employing several people. In most locales it begins by separating individual components manually, removing the processors and microchips from their original frames. The remaining materials are then run through a specialized shredder that makes further separation possible.
After having been re-mined, most of the remainder then sold back to manufacturing firms for the creation of new products. Manufacturers benefit because they do not have to extract as much basic raw material from the earth, and consumers also enjoy somewhat lower prices as a result. Disposing of personal electronic waste responsibly is only part of the overall scenario, which has a predictably darker side.
As the mound of electronic debris grows exponentially each year, recycling efforts have increased, but cannot keep pace with the enormous quantities that are being consistently created. The health hazards they pose are well-documented, and include lead and mercury poisoning. Exposed children experience developmental problems, and adults often suffer from respiratory and brain issues.
It is nearly impossible to determine the actual amount of used electronic parts that are discarded worldwide. The problem is an outgrowth of societal and economic realities, and solutions can be found that make use of similar motivation for financial gain. While reminding people about the health issues of re-use is important, the most workable long-term answer will be produced by developing the industries that process e-waste profitably.
Dealing with this issue has become more urgent because of the numbers of people worldwide who can now afford to purchase and use them. Broken electronics are rarely repaired because newer, improved versions are constantly being offered to consumers, making maintenance irrelevant. Although the extreme toxins they contain consistently make headlines, they are not the only reason for proper disposal.
Inside each unit a variety of precious metals exists. Even though the original computer cathode ray display monitors are gone, any device containing a printed circuit board still contains a very small but financially significant amount of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Metals with more exotic names such as indium and gallium also play an important part in new technologies, and have a measurable value when extracted.
Although melting down unused cell phones to extract valuable metals does not make sense individually, in large quantities the process produces more refined metal than the original ore that bore it. Costly and comparatively rare elements are only a fraction of the metals used during manufacturing a mobile phone, which also contains copper and tin. The plastics used to create housings can also be partially reused.
The key is collecting and processing those discarded items profitably. Individuals routinely do this type of work, which can be handled more efficiently by a business employing several people. In most locales it begins by separating individual components manually, removing the processors and microchips from their original frames. The remaining materials are then run through a specialized shredder that makes further separation possible.
After having been re-mined, most of the remainder then sold back to manufacturing firms for the creation of new products. Manufacturers benefit because they do not have to extract as much basic raw material from the earth, and consumers also enjoy somewhat lower prices as a result. Disposing of personal electronic waste responsibly is only part of the overall scenario, which has a predictably darker side.
As the mound of electronic debris grows exponentially each year, recycling efforts have increased, but cannot keep pace with the enormous quantities that are being consistently created. The health hazards they pose are well-documented, and include lead and mercury poisoning. Exposed children experience developmental problems, and adults often suffer from respiratory and brain issues.
It is nearly impossible to determine the actual amount of used electronic parts that are discarded worldwide. The problem is an outgrowth of societal and economic realities, and solutions can be found that make use of similar motivation for financial gain. While reminding people about the health issues of re-use is important, the most workable long-term answer will be produced by developing the industries that process e-waste profitably.
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