E-waste

What is e-waste?

The e-waste or electronic waste are electronic devices or equipment that are no longer functional and that are thrown away. This category of waste includes mobile phones, computers, refrigerators, washing machines.

Statistics and trends of e-waste

Over the years, e-waste is growing globally due to rapid technological progress which leads to an increase in the consumption of electronic products. In fact, in the study conducted by the United Nations University it has been specified that, between 2014 and 2016, more than forty-three tons of electronic waste were sent to landfills, corresponding to the weight of 4500 Eiffel Towers. Of these forty-three tons only the 8,9 has been recycled (around 20%). The following picture represents the hypothetical trend of e-waste production over the years.

The precious metals of e-waste

Furthermore, some electronic devices such as motherboards or microchips contain precious metals such as platinum or gold that can still be recovered. The value of this metals are around forty-five billion euros per year.

The danger of e-waste

It must be considered that some components of electronic devices are dangerous for the environment. In fact, inside the devices there are also dangerous compounds and chemicals such as cadmium, mercury, lead etc. These elements, if abandoned in landfills, can constitute a danger both for the environment because it can infiltrate in underground aquifers and for our health because they can lead to the development of tumours and other diseases.

The recycle of e-waste

The e-waste can be also recycled but this process is quite complex since the devices contain heavy metals that needs of a special treatment. As already mentioned, there are also dangerous chemical compounds that must be eliminated before recycling the devices.

E-waste recycling methods

There are some ways to recycle e-waste such as government programs that offer financial incentives; the collection of e-waste through non-profit associations such as collection centers; the regeneration of devices through specialized companies or the delivery of broken devices to shops that implement recycling programs.

The advantages and disadvantages of e-waste recycling

advantages

The advantages are the reduction of landfill waste, the recovery of precious metals, the reduction of pollution and the creation of jobs.

disadvantages

The disadvantages are the complex disposal and collection of electronic waste and the high costs to implement the process.

Santarpino Ludovico

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