With technology advancing at a precipitous speed, the rate of e-waste has also been increasing due to the favourability of newer models, along with a growing number of obsolete and unwanted items. The manufacturing of electronic products requires a lot of energy. Recycling or donating electronic gadgets conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, along with the emission of greenhouse gasses.
Donate!
At present, obsolete computers account for the majority of the overall e-waste in dumping grounds. Switch to safe options to dispose of your old systems. And in case your computers are in working condition, donate them to an educational institute. There are organisations such as DonateYourPC.in, which act as bridges and can help you to donate to Schools and several NGOs including Pratham, United Way of Mumbai and ChildLine India.
Recycle!
Recycling an electronic gadget is a wiser option than manufacturing a new product and creating more pollution. However, there is hardly any takeback service available in India. Few brands including HCL, WIPRO, Nokia, Acer, Motorola and LG have a decent takeback facility in India. Major brands should invest in education and awareness of general customers on e-waste management and also provide the takeback information on their websites to make it easier for Indian customers to avail of the services.
You can also send your electronic products to a recycling facility for proper disposal. Services such as 1800ewaste are readily available, you collect your electronic wastes at a fee.
Sell it off!
Electronic waste such as old television sets, computer repair, printers, VCRs and even mobile phones can also be sold off through sites like eBay, craigslist and gumtree. For instance, Nintendo video games are always on demand on eBay. The age-old process of garage sales can never go out of fashion, well garages are in the form of social media now. Effective management of hazardous waste is essential to reduce its impact on the environment and our health.