With the advent and advancement of technology and science, now we are all encircled by electronic gadgets. Today we stand at such a juncture that we cannot even think of one day without using technology. Of the phones that we use in our everyday lives. What was once a luxury item has now become a necessity. Right from our phones to washing machines, computers, air conditioners, and much more technology has eased our lives. Indeed, there are a lot of benefits of using technology.
But have you ever thought about what happens to those technological items when they become outdated? Unfortunately, many people will not pay attention to the use of outdated electronic goods. And this is where the problem lies. The moment you notice that an electronic gadget is not working, you look for a new model and run to the store to buy it. Sadly, you do not pay attention to the used item and that is how a lot of electronic waste has been developed.
Many people are not aware of disposing of weee waste items in the correct manner. As a result, it leads to severe damage to the environment and the entire ecosystem. To help you in this course we have come up with a blog. In this blog, we will share with you some ways that you can accommodate to dispose of electrical and electronic waste. To know more about the methods, read the blog till the end.
What is electronic and electrical waste?
According to the European community law, waste electrical and electronic equipment is referred to those electrical appliances and hardware that are no more in use. You can discard these wastes at once. The problem with electronic waste is that they comprise of harmful chemicals like cadmium, lead, beryllium, brominated flame retardants and mercury. So, when you dispose of these devices and gadgets improperly, the dangerous chemicals in these gadets release into the soil, pollute the air and leeches the water bodies.
When you dispose of electronic waste in a landfill, the water passes through it. While passing, it picks the harmful chemical. This results to leaching. When this water gets mixed with the natural groundwater, they automatically increase the toxicity of the water. Although recycling is an eco-friendly way to deal with electronic waste, it leads to dumping gadgets into pits.
Ways to dispose of electronic waste
There are several ways by which you can dump electronic waste. However, throwing electronic waste in landfills is not a responsible move. When you are dumping waste, you have to keep in mind the environmental factor. Never accommodate any measure that will disrupt the ecological balance of the environment. Given below are some ways by which you can through electronic waste responsibly:
-
Give your electronic waste to a certified e-waste recycler
The reason we recommend you to hand over the electronic waste to a certified e-waste recycler is the various recycling options that they have. First of all, you need to find out an experienced e-waste recycler who has been certified by the basal action network or ban.
Basel action network is a non-profit organisation that takes care of recycling organisations whose aim is to recycle e-waste responsibly and safely. People associated with the basal action network have to make a promise of conducting responsible recycling. So, when you are working with a recycler who has been certified by basel action network, it means you do not have to worry about the method that he is undertaking to recycle electronic goods.
-
Sell your outdated technology or electronic gadgets that you do not use
Another easy way to get rid of electronic goods is by selling out outdated technology. It is said that one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. So, another person can utilise whatever you through. An old model of micro oven may not be useful to you. But it can be extremely useful to a family who does not even have a micro-oven. Besides, many online sites promote garage sale. Here you can sell out your outdated goods and earn some money. In this way, you are not only standing by the needy but also keeping our environment clean.
-
Donate your outdated technology or electronic goods
If you do not want to sell your electronic goods you can take the means of donating them to others to whom they may be very useful. For a better understanding that second example here. Suppose you have an old computer. You can donate it to an ngo or to some student who is in dire need of it. However, when you are donating an electronic gadget, make sure it is in working condition and does not have any personal or private information that can be misused later.
-
Visit civic institutions
There are several organisations both government and non-governmental that offer recycling programs. In fact, some universities and schools have now joined this forte. You can drop your electronic waste in these civic institutions and let them recycle those waste and bring out something new and usable.
-
Give the gadgets back to the electronic companies
Whenever you are buying electronic goods or gadgets ask the company whether they have any exchange policy. The companies that promote an exchange policy tend to take back the old electronic gadgets especially when you buy a new version of the same. Sometimes these companies offer a discount on your new purchase when you submit them the old appliance. With the old appliances, all they do is recycle them and create something new to be used further.
Conclusion
Therefore, now you know how to dispose of electronic waste in the correct way. However, when you are recycling or donating your electronic items make sure to upgrade the gadget first and then think of replacing it. Do not forget to format all the personal information before you throw it off. Also, take off the batteries from the gadgets. In case you are struggling with electronic waste disposal, you can contact your nearest company for WEEE recycling in London.
