Tech waste, e-waste, e-scrap, or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are terms quite familiar to us. But how many of us actually understand the repercussions of heaps of discarded electronic and electrical equipment accumulating in a nearby deserted land? Have you ever bothered to spare a moment to fathom the effect of partly recycled high-tech waste by backyard recyclers on the environment?
To satiate the wealthy nation’s appetite for new display technology, out-dated processors become ‘e-waste’ and display units, while still in working condition are most often replaced without attempting to repair them. Instead we should take initiatives to reduce the accumulation of discarded electrical equipment’s and find ways and means to refurbish and utilise them for other purposes. For instance, computer components can be reused in assembling new computer products, or reduced to metals which can be reused in construction purposes or even jewellery making
Informal processing of electronic waste in developing countries can lead to serious health hazards and pollution problems. Electronic scraps containing contaminants such as lead, cadmium, beryllium and other heavy metals leach into the ground water and release toxic phosphor. Responsibly recycling electronic gadgets will not only reduce environmental and human health impacts but also increase the use of reusable and refurbished equipment. Take charge right from today, hunt for the CRT TV stacked in a corner of your store room, wake up the artist in you and turn it into a decorative piece adorning the living room.
photo courtesy- harmonyfdn.ca