We all love technology and the electronic devices that allow us to go on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and more. (Or, most of us do).
But let’s face it, anything good has consequences eventually.
And the problem with electronics is that people around the world simply have trouble disposing of them properly.
Of the 2.4 million tons of electronics that were disposed of in 2009, only 25% of it was recycled. This means that 1.8 million tons of electronic waste disposal – meaning computers, laptops, phones, and other gadgets – either went to a landfill or an incinerator.
That’s not good.
Recycling Electronic Waste Because It’s Smart
There really is not a downside to recycling electronics.
Every major business uses electronics, and the benefits of recycling these devices only ensure that humans will always have the necessary tools and materials to make them.
Plus, it helps in ensuring that humans will be here at all because of the positive effects that recycling has on the environment.
Here are all the facts you need to know about the proper disposal of electronics and why your business needs to be doing it now.
1. Businesses Need to Take Extra Efforts
If the disposal of electronics is a growing concern, then the places that utilize a lot of the electronics that are disposed of each year – businesses – should take extra steps to ensure that their e-waste recycling practices are environmentally safe.
So, make sure the company you choose to electronic waste recycling is actually recycling and reusing the products they take from you, and not just shipping them to another location.
2. E-Waste Recycling Conserves Electricity
According to the EPA, recycling one million laptops saves enough energy to equal the amount of electricity needed to power 3,500 homes per year in the United States.
That’s a lot of power.
And although it may not save your business’s electricity costs directly, it will save money for those manufacturing the electronic devices that companies use every day for daily operations.
That leads to number 3.
3. Electronics Are Made with Rare Metals
The metals used to create a cell phone and computer include:
- Silver
- Gold
- Palladium
- Copper
Recycling these metals found in electronic devices costs a fraction of what it does to dig them out of the ground. If e-waste recycling really picked-up in the states, the cost of continuing to manufacture electronics may become less as we eliminate the need to depend on finding precious metals in the ground.
4. Many States Have E-Waste Recycling Laws
Since the disposal of electronics has become an issue, 25 state governments have taken it upon themselves to try and resolve the issue.
So, if you own a business, this means recycling your old electronics is now more important than ever – especially if you’re in one of these states.
The Disposal of Electronics Is Important to Do Right
In such a technologically advanced age as now, recycling our most essential products will become increasingly more important.
And if you’re a business near the Bay Area around San Francisco, California, I Got E-Waste offers electronic waste disposal pickup services. Their e-waste pickup service extends south to San Mateo, north to San Rafael, and the East Bay (Oakland, Walnut Creek, and Pleasanton).
