Many
years ago, we had not even heard about electronic recycling and we
thought that E-waste could cause such a humongous effect on the
environment if left untreated. Now when the carbon footprint is so
huge, we are finding it too difficult to find ways to recycle it.
Many companies have started to use products recycled from landfills
to reduce the impact of harmful gases and radiation on the
environment. Many companies like
ERI
provide
services for local electronic recycling
to
help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thus preserving the environment
from adverse effects of E-waste.
What is
E-Waste?
Any
consumer or commercial electronic product that has reached the end of
its useful life is called E-waste. This waste usually ends up in
landfills, creating harmful radiation and greenhouse gases. Nowadays
companies provide exchange facilities for old mobiles or electronic
gadgets to reduce this waste to end up in landfills and causes solid
as well as radiation pollution. This waste usually contains metals
like mercury, cadmium, lead, barium, lithium, polybrominated flame
retardants, etc. These metals can cause severe damage to the brain,
skeletal system, kidney, liver, heart, etc. Electronic recycling
is
important to minimize the effect of harmful metals and radiation on
all living beings.
Hazards
of Untreated E-Waste
Untreated
E-waste can cause harmful effects on air, land, groundwater, etc.
Some of the main issues caused by E-waste are:
1. Air
Pollution
E-waste
when not recycled, usually ends up in landfills, from where it is
taken for disposal. incineration is the most commonly used method for
solid waste disposal. Incinerators cause deadly smoke as well as
poisonous gases, which when introduced into the environment can lead
to severe respiratory issues. Also, these gases when reaching the
earth's surface due to rain can cause land pollution and groundwater
contamination.
2.
Groundwater Pollution
When it
rains, the harmful gases introduced into the environment due to
incineration lead to groundwater contamination. This water reaches
the lakes, rivers, and drains, causing the fish to survive in this
water. When fish is ingested, harmful metals like mercury and cadmium
are also ingested with it. It leads to deadly skin diseases as well
as cancer and other chronic diseases. Alkaline battery recycling is
very important as the lithium leached out of it can cause cancer to
humans and the death of aquatic life.
3. Soil
Pollution
E-waste is
mostly composed of nonbiodegradable things, that take thousands of
years to decompose. When electronic waste is left in the soil for a
long time, it causes harmful substances to leach out into the soil.
This soil can spread, causing harmful impacts on wildlife, marine
life, and crops.
Benefits
of Recycling E-waste
E-waste
has huge advantages if recycled properly. It reduces carbon footprint
on the planet thus leading to a sustainable environment. Many of the
materials used in electronics can be recycled which are:
- Metals
- Plastics
- Glass
- Mercury
-
Batteries
- Circuit
boards
Many
recycling companies are there that provide all-around solutions to
all the E-waste related needs. These companies ensure that all
E-waste related issues are addressed on a single platform. Services
provided by them are:
- local
electronic recycling
-
alkaline battery recycling
- data
destruction
All
About ERI
ERI is
entitled to recycle, refurbish, or responsibly de-manufacture any
E-waste using practices that are environment friendly. They believe
in People. Planet. Privacy. They also deal with data destruction
services to provide safety and privacy to the user. It is recognized
by the U.S. government for its efficiency and environment-friendly
practices. ERI is the only organization in the world that is NAID and
e-Stewards certified, which is the highest possible standard for
E-waste recycling.
The
services offered by ERI are:
ERI has an
international network in 46 countries, with over 100 certified
facilities for global coverage of clients. It has received the
highest customer rating score in the Compliance Standards’ in the
2024 ITAD Vendor Reputation Survey. It has been recommended for a
grant award by the U.S. Department of Energy in Consumer Electronics
Recycling.
ERI has
mastered processing both data-bearing and non-bearing assets for any
organization while ensuring 100% data destruction, reducing the
impact on the environment, and maximizing asset recovery value. ERI
is known for its creativity and innovation to meet the needs of a
client.
ERI tends
to teach the value of the circular economy, sustainability, and
hardware security.
Conclusion
The
responsibility to create a sustainable environment lies in our hands
where every step of us will either cause adverse or positive effects
on the environment. Companies like
ERI
provide
360° solutions to all needs of e-waste recycling. Their agenda is to
work for people, the planet, and privacy by doing complete date
destruction along with recycling useful metals and components. Now
when the world is moving toward EV than conventional fuels, the
impact on the environment will be huge. The use of lithium batteries
in EVs will pose a huge threat to the environment if left untreated
or non-recycled. Alkaline battery recycling service
is
also provided by ERI to ensure that nothing is left unused or
untreated in the environment. So the solution to being a responsible
and aware citizen lies in our hands. Let's shake hands to keep nature
liveable for all.