E-WASTE | WHY IS E-WASTE A PROBLEM

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Electronics cannot be disposed of with your ordinary trash. Electronics are made up of thousands of complex materials, many of which are hazardous, like e-waste, and when improperly managed pose serious threats to public health and the environment.

According to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates, there are approximately 500 million obsolete computers and millions of cell phones being retired annually. The United States Geological Survey estimates that already half a billion old unused phones are in the US which is home to approximately 3 billion electronic products and generates approximately 2.2 billion tons of e-waste annually. The majority of this e-waste gets shipped overseas to countries like China, India, and Nigeria.

E-waste, like old electronics, computers and cell phones are highly toxic. The metals, plastics and other components are difficult and expensive to separate. Computers contain hazardous materials, including mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, cobalt, zinc, and chromium. When improperly disposed of chemicals and heavy metals seep into the environment.