Electronic waste is a global problem. Every year, tons and tons of electronics get tossed out and left to sit in landfills. The amount of e-waste is only going to grow as businesses compete to push out the newest tech, and the world becomes more dependent on these products.
E-waste needs to be reduced. If you’re not sure how people can do that, here are the three best ways to get it done:
1. Repairs
One of the ways that everyday people can reduce the global e-waste problem is to invest in repairs instead of replacements whenever their electronics are giving them trouble. If you want to save your money, you can always join repair cafes and workshops to learn how to restore your electronics all on your own.
2. Recycling
Electronic waste can’t go into the standard blue bin — this is because electronic devices have hazardous components that can contaminate standard recycling facilities and landfills. But electronic waste is still recyclable. It just can’t get lumped in with the glass bottles, tin cans and cardboard boxes sitting inside your blue bin. You need to bring it to a different facility to have it taken care of.
If you want to safely get rid of your old devices, you can go to a scrap metal yard in your local area. The right scrap metal facility will have an electronic waste recycling program where they collect electronic items, then remove and recycle the components in an environmentally friendly and effective way. Click here to learn more about e-waste disposal services and what everyday items you can bring into the yard.
To add incentive, they offer clients payments for their donations. You could get paid to get rid of the items clogging up your junk drawer or gathering dust on the shelves in your garage.
Before you go to any scrap metal yard, check to see what they do about electronic recycling. Look to see if they’re involved with environmentally conscious government programs. You want to go to a facility that’s committed to the cause.
3. Buy Less
The philosophy of less is more is essential for eliminating large-scale waste problems. Famous environmentalist David Suzuki puts this philosophy on his list of the top ten ways to stop climate change on his website. He asks that people re-think their need to consume more since consumption leads to more emissions and increased environmental harm. You should aspire to buy less and make what you do buy last.
How can you do this?
- Be gentle. Keeping your electronic devices out of water, sand or harsh temperatures and protecting them from physical damage will help them stay in good shape.
- Practice regular maintenance. Cleaning your devices, updating software, removing digital clutter and performing other types of upkeep will improve their functionality and longevity.
- Repair it. Address problems before you decide to throw anything away. Your device could need a simple fix to get back into working condition.
- Share. If you don’t want an item anymore, but it works, you can always give it to someone else. Pass it down to a friend or donate it to a charity. It still serves a purpose.
You’ve heard of the three R’s: reducing, reusing and recycling. These are the three best methods to tackle such a massive problem like e-waste. It’s that simple.
