Time to Act: 15 E-Waste Facts We All Need to Know

1. Data security is a concern

Hackers are often targeting individuals and businesses. The easiest way to stop them is to seize your cell phone, laptop, or computer and retrieve the information. Cybercrimes can cost businesses an average of $11.7 million, according to studies. It doesn’t mean your data has been deleted, but it does mean that it is hidden from public view. You can easily retrieve your data.

2. Security experts are Recycling firms

Data on smartphones and hard drives can be securely destroyed by recycling companies. You can take your electronics to a recycling company and they will wipe out any personal information. You will also receive all documentation regarding the data destruction.

3. Incineration Doesn’t Work

Some developing countries have found that incinerators are the best way to dispose of increasing amounts of e-waste. This is a surefire way to cause environmental catastrophe. Toxic chemicals can be released into the atmosphere when e-waste is heated up. This can cause respiratory problems and damage to the environment. E-waste can cause severe damage to our environment.

4. Small devices can be a problem

Not only large items like television sets or computer monitors are problematic, but also smaller items. To find out which devices were getting disposed of at the fastest rates, researchers looked at the contents of the 2016 e-waste. Nearly half of these were small devices such as tablets and smartphones. Only 20% of the e waste was generated by large electronic devices. As millions of older smartphones and cell phones are replaced, it is expected that smaller devices will make up a larger portion of the e–waste stream.

5. Making New products

You can reuse parts from e-waste in many different ways and make a variety products. You can recycle plastics to make garden furniture. Metals can be used to make everything, from jewelry to automobile parts. Reuseable battery components can be used in new batteries.

6. Which country produces the most e-waste

The United States produces the most e-waste per year than any other nation. The United States produced 111.7 million tonnes of e-waste in 2014.

7. Energy savings

It is possible to recycle e-waste and save lots of energy. Recycling is far more energy-efficient than mining for new metals from virgin ore. One million laptops can be recycled for the same energy as it takes to power 35657 homes every year.

8. Mobile phone use is on the rise

More mobile phones exist than ever before. Based on the current number of active SIM cards, it has been estimated that more than 72.2 billion mobile devices are being used today, as opposed to less than 7.2 million people. The number of mobile devices is growing faster than the Earth’s population.

9. Millions of dollars are lost

Electronic devices can be extracted from valuable raw materials such as gold, silver, copper, and nickel and resold to make new products. These materials are lost when electronic waste is sent to the landfills. In 2016, it was estimated that raw materials in e-waste were worth $65 billion.

10. Losing heavy metals

Recycled electronics can contain up to 40% of the heavy metals found in U.S. landfills. Manufacturers will have to resort to the much more expensive process of mining virgin ore for new metals if they don’t recycle these metals.

11. Circuit Board Risks

Brominated flame retardants are one of the most dangerous toxins found in e-waste. They are used in circuit boards as well as plastic casings. Exposure to landfills for long periods can cause memory and learning impairments.

12. Lead Poisoning

Another toxin found in e-waste is lead. Lead poisoning can cause cognitive impairment and other health problems. Exposure to lead for long periods can cause paralysis and coma.

13. Low recycling rates

It has been estimated that 15-20% of all electronic waste is recycled.

14. Recycling creates jobs

Recycling creates jobs. For every 10,000 tonnes of computer waste processed, recycling computers can create 296 jobs annually. The recycling industry is expanding and creating thousands of jobs around the world.

15. Staying at Home

China has stopped accepting certain types of eWaste being imported from China, so more ewaste is now staying in the United States. This raises the possibility that not only can recycling rates be increased but also the circular economy could use more valuable materials.

E-waste Facts

E-waste is a problem that affects many people. We all have a role to play in solving it. Let everyone know what e-waste is and remind them to bring their electronics to eCycle Florida.

This post was written by Steven Elia Co-Founder and Recycling Director at eCycle Florida. eCycle Florida is a R2 Certified electronics recycling company in the state of Florida. Our processes and procedures are dedicated to the proper destruction and recycling of your electronics. eCycle Florida is your go-to for Pinellas County electronics disposal.