The rise of E-Waste!
How concerned should we be?

As the world becomes more dependent on electronics, the prevalence of e-waste in landfills will also continue to rise.

Many people are – understandably – concerned about e-waste and its potential environmental impact. How serious is the issue, though, and what can be done about it?

Learn more about the latest data regarding e-waste, as well as how people can band together to minimise the severity of this issue, below.

The rise of e-waste has had (and will continue to have) numerous influences on the planet and its residents – including plants, animals, and humans. The following are some of the most significant environmental effects of which people should be aware:

Exposure to toxic substances

Electronic devices often contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants.

When e-waste is not disposed of correctly and ends up in landfills (or when it’s incinerated), these substances can eventually seep into the soil and water, posing serious health risks to both humans and wildlife. For example, exposure to heavy metals has been linked to kidney damage, neurological issues, and certain types of cancer in humans.

Soil and water pollution

Improper e-waste disposal methods, such as dumping items in the water or incinerating them, can also lead to the release of toxic chemicals into the soil or water. This pollution can contaminate groundwater and surface water, affecting a variety of ecosystems and potentially entering the food chain.

Increased air pollution

Burning e-waste can release harmful gases and particulate matter into the air. This release, in turn, can contribute to air pollution and cause or worsen respiratory issues, such as asthma, and interfere with people’s quality of life (especially those who live near trash-burning facilities).

Resource depletion

The production of electronic devices requires the extraction and processing of raw materials, many of which are non-renewable, such as copper, lithium, tin, and nickel.

The improper disposal of e-waste contributes to the loss of valuable resources. It also exacerbates the need for additional mining and extraction, which further contributes to environmental degradation.

Increased energy consumption

The manufacturing, transportation, and disposal of electronic devices also contribute to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Extracting and processing raw materials, as well as the energy-intensive production processes that go through, increase the carbon footprint of electronic devices.

When it is disposed of improperly, e-waste clearly has several harmful effects on the environment. The good news is that there are several steps individuals and organisations alike can take to keep e-waste out of landfills and minimise its environmental impacts.

Listed below are some of the most important strategies to reduce e-waste worldwide:

Recycling programs

These days, it’s much easier than it once was to recycle and dispose of electronics properly. That’s why it’s essential to participate in and support local e-waste recycling programs whenever possible.

Many communities have designated drop-off locations or collection events for electronic waste.

Electronics owners can also utilise manufacturer and retailer take-back programs, which responsibly collect and recycle old electronic devices.

E-Waste collection events

People can also search for, attend, and organise e-waste collection events in their communities. These events provide a convenient and environmentally responsible way for individuals to dispose of their electronic devices.

Donate or sell functional devices

Individuals should also consider donating or selling still-functional electronic devices instead of discarding them. Donating and selling extend the lifespan of the device and reduce the overall volume of e-waste across the globe. 

Electronic asset management

Businesses and organisations – particularly those that rely heavily on electronic devices like computers, tablets, smartphones, etc. – can play a particularly significant role in combatting e-waste (and they can have a much bigger impact than individuals).

For instance, these groups can implement effective electronic asset management practices. Examples of such practices include tracking, maintaining, and properly disposing of electronic equipment when it reaches the end of its useful life.