computer recycling

7 Sad Facts About E-Waste You Never Knew

Many organizations see electronics recycling as a responsibility because the law requires e-waste to be disposed of properly. However, electronics and computer recycling is a priority not only because of the law but because of its effects on the environment.

Nearly all e-waste is considered recyclable in some way. If your business has been putting off its computer recycling for the year, consider the following e-waste facts to give you the motivation you need to be a little more environmentally friendly.

  1. According to the United States, approximately 20 to 50 million metric tons of e-waste are discarded annually. What’s more, the amount of global e-waste is expected to increase every year by 8%.
  2. It’s illegal to dispose of certain types of e-waste because the chemicals they contain are hazardous. A few of these chemicals include mercury, lead, polyvinyl chloride, and beryllium. Not only can these chemicals cause health problems when exposed to people, but they can also be incredibly flammable.
  3. The U.S. produces more e-waste every year compared to any other country. In just one year, Americans will produce a total of 9.4 million tons of e-waste. In fact, according to the EPA, e-waste is the fastest growing municipal waste stream in the United States.
  4. DoSomething.org reports that, although almost all of e-waste is recyclable, only 12.5% of e-waste is currently recycled.
  5. About 2% of trash in U.S. landfills is e-waste. However, e-waste represents up to 70% of all toxic waste produced in the United States.
  6. Although it’s called e-waste, much of what comprises e-waste is actually complete electronic equipment that can be repaired, marketed, and reused. Not only are their parts capable of being recycled, but the entire piece of equipment itself may be recovered.
  7. When businesses and homeowners recycle participate in computer recycling, they save energy from being unnecessarily used on new products. For instance, to recycle 1 million laptops alone would save enough energy to power 3,657 American homes for a year.

 

E-waste is a big problem in the United States. Fortunately, there are waste disposal organizations at the ready to help you with your business electronic recycling. To learn more about San Francisco computer recycling and how your business can participate, contact I Got E-Waste today.