E-Waste & The 3 R's

The 3 Rs

The 3 R's represent three main topics: Recycling, Reusing & Reducing. These 3 things describe methods we can use to support the environment and its health. Recycling refers to the processing of recyclable material such as plastic and aluminium to create a different object from the exact same material. Reusing is similar to recycling, but the object is not processed into a different form. It is simply one object that is used repeatedly over time as long as it is clean and durable. Reducing describes the action in which we make less use of objects and material that are not recyclable/reusable. These 3 R's support the environments through describing 3 simple methods that us humans can use to reduce waste and landfill. 

What is E-waste?

E-waste can be described as electronic appliances that are not needed anymore and are therefore thrown away by people into landfill. Lots of e-waste does have the compatibility to be later refurnished, recycled or reused for a variety of purposes through some processing. However, only 12.5% of e-waste is recycled globally & 85% of this e-waste is dumped in landfills or is burned at incinerators. E-waste in this form can have a lot of negative impacts on humans, animals and the environment. On the other hand, when e-waste is recycled, it can have several positive effects as well.

What are the Impacts for not Recycling E-waste?

When e-waste is not recycled, it ends up in a landfill and this can lead to air pollution and contamination of the surrounding soil. This contamination can spread like wildfire all around the area and eventually spread to our water sources and plants that all life sources receive food and water from. This endangers not only marine animals but also humans and other animals that intake contaminated resources. Furthermore, if e-waste is not recycled, the amount of area needed for landfills will continue to increase rapidly. This means we will have to clear more natural sites and animal habitats just for the purpose of storing rubbish. 

What are the Positive Effects of Recycling E-waste?

When e-waste is recycled properly and safely, it can have a positive impact on the environment. Firstly, electronics rely on a lot of different types of metals and elements for its composure. However, not all of these materials are infinite which means we will eventually run out. If we recycle our electronic appliances, we will save a significant number of materials that can be used in other electronic appliances. Mining of these elements and materials will also be drastically reduced if we recycle the materials that make up the electronic waste. Finally, if e-waste is recycled properly, manufacturers will be provided with safe and environmentally friendly sources to use for further electronic creations.

What are Some Ways we can Make Sure our E-waste is Recycled or Re-used?

 There is a multitude of ways we can ensure that our e-waste is safely recycled or reused:

1) You can sell your old device(s) to someone through physical means (at a store or shop like Cash Converters) or online (on a website like E-bay) means.

2) Find a certified E-waste Recycler and hand your device(s) to them for processing and recycling.

3) Attempt to repair your device(s) instead of throwing it out, if it is broken or damaged.

4) Try to repurpose your device with a less significant role if you don't really need it anymore

5) Spread awareness of the impacts of e-waste and educate the younger generation to make sure that they are recycling or reusing their electronic waste in some form.