East Coast Electronics Recycling Explores the Problem of E-Waste and How Companies Can Help

We can all assist in reducing the global e-waste problem.

Electronic waste (e-waste) poses an increasing threat to the environment & our way of life. Over 59 million tons of e-waste are produced each year. Less than one-fifth of that total is recycled properly.

Fortunately, companies can help to reduce the glut of improperly disposed e-waste by choosing to work with a credible recycler. Experienced computer recycling firm East Coast Electronics Recycling in Bedford, NH, explains how e-waste has become a global problem and outlines how companies can help to reduce the volume that is produced each year.

E-Waste Statistics

Most e-waste produced around the world is not recycled but instead sits in landfills or is abandoned in outdoor locations. The top global producers of e-waste are China, the United States, India, Japan, Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.

What is E-Waste?

E-waste is defined as computers and electronic equipment that have reached the end of their useful life. Fax machines, copiers, computers, televisions, monitors, stereos, and smartphones are just a few of the categories that make up the bulk of e-waste.

Most e-waste contains potentially hazardous materials. Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium can pollute groundwater & soil and can result in illness to humans & wildlife alike. Other toxins in e-waste include polybrominated flame retardants, lithium, and barium.

The importance of adequately recycling e-waste and disposing of its hazardous byproducts cannot be overstated. The aforementioned chemicals and metals can cause liver, heart, brain, skeletal, and kidney damage, especially when pregnant women and young children are exposed to them.

Reusable and Recyclable Components of E-Waste

Fortunately, we can all do our part to help mitigate the problem of e-waste by handling it properly. When computers and other electronic equipment are turned over to a qualified computer recycling firm like ECER Inc, the hazardous materials are properly contained, and the reusable & recyclable components are removed & eventually repurposed. Currently, only 15% of this waste is recovered for reuse in electronics or other products.

Ways that Companies Can Help with the Growing Problem of E-Waste

There are many strategies that companies can use to help with the increasingly serious global problem of e-waste. Partnering with an experienced electronics recycling company like ECER Inc will provide an outlet for your obsolete electronics along with the peace of mind that comes with secure data destruction. Here are ways that we can all assist in reducing the global e-waste problem.

Reusing Electronic Products

One of the simplest ways to reduce the electronic waste stream is to reuse old products. Retaining devices in good working condition will not only decrease the impact of e-waste on our environment since much of it is (often illegally) improperly disposed of, it will also reduce the need to mine for new resources.

Recycling E-Waste

One of the best strategies for dealing with e-waste is appropriately recycling it. ECER Inc has the experience & manpower to help companies and organizations of all sizes properly recycle their e-waste in a way that protects the environment and reduces the volume of waste going to landfills. The metals, glass, and plastic that compose e-waste can be used to manufacture new electronics.

The Computer Recycling Process

The process begins with removing the hard drives from the machines and either performing a US Department of Defense (DOD) standard wipe or physical destruction on them. E-waste & computer recycling companies like ECER Inc possess specialized equipment that can ensure that data from a drive can never be accessed in the future. This protects financial information, personal information, and sensitive company data from being stolen or misused.

Next, the case is opened, and all components are taken out. Metals, glass, plastic, and circuit boards are separated. Special glass such as smartphone displays can be reused. E-waste plastic is versatile and can be used to assemble new products. Circuit boards are a common source of reusable metals.

The parts are milled down and readied for shipment to facilities where they will be used to make new machines or where they will be safely disposed of.

Understanding the Global E-Waste Problem

The potential toxicity of e-waste means that it must be properly recycled for environmental & health reasons. Responsible companies work with electronics recycling firms like ECER Inc to ensure that their material is treated with care.

Working with a recycler like ECER Inc means that your company can be assured that its obsolete computers and other electronic equipment will be processed with the utmost care. To obtain a no-obligation quote, visit their webpage for more information.