Electronic waste is more than improperly discarded batteries. The term encompasses nearly all appliances and digital devices that have the potential to become part of a landfill, and includes kitchen accessories as well as outdated computers. Once a limited issue, the problem is no longer restricted to wealthier consumer countries. Recycling and disposing of Austin e-waste efficiently and economically is a shared goal of most large Texas cities.
The primary driving force behind this explosion in consumer electronics is improved economics that expands buying ability while keeping prices down. Most types of these devices are constantly being improved, and there is no effort made to repair the old ones that fail. There have been many sensational news stories regarding the highly toxic substances they contain, but that issue is only one part of the picture.
Inside each old appliance are a long list of precious metals. Although the old massive computer displays are gone, any new device that hosts a printed circuit automatically contains a measurable amount of gold, platinum, silver, and palladium. Elements with exotic names such as indium and gallium are important in new flat-screen display technologies, and all have comparatively high value in the recycling industry.
Although melting down unused cell phones to extract valuable metals does not make sense individually, in large quantities the process produces more refined metal than the original ore that bore it. Costly and comparatively rare elements are only a fraction of the metals used during manufacturing a mobile phone, which also contains copper and tin. The plastics used to create housings can also be partially reused.
The key is collecting and processing those discarded items profitably. Individuals routinely do this type of work, which can be handled more efficiently by a business employing several people. In most locales it begins by separating individual components manually, removing the processors and microchips from their original frames. The remaining materials are then run through a specialized shredder that makes further separation possible.
After having been re-mined, most of the remainder then sold back to manufacturing firms for the creation of new products. Manufacturers benefit because they do not have to extract as much basic raw material from the earth, and consumers also enjoy somewhat lower prices as a result. Disposing of personal electronic waste responsibly is only part of the overall scenario, which has a predictably darker side.
As the mound of electronic debris grows exponentially each year, recycling efforts have increased, but cannot keep pace with the enormous quantities that are being consistently created. The health hazards they pose are well-documented, and include lead and mercury poisoning. Exposed children experience developmental problems, and adults often suffer from respiratory and brain issues.
The extent of this type of contamination is difficult to accurately track using conventional processes. The issue exists because of current economic and societal realities, and can be solved in a similar manner. Although it is urgent to remind people of the health hazards that uncontrolled e-waste dumping produces, the most practical solution for the long term is further development of business that profits from recycled electronics.
The primary driving force behind this explosion in consumer electronics is improved economics that expands buying ability while keeping prices down. Most types of these devices are constantly being improved, and there is no effort made to repair the old ones that fail. There have been many sensational news stories regarding the highly toxic substances they contain, but that issue is only one part of the picture.
Inside each old appliance are a long list of precious metals. Although the old massive computer displays are gone, any new device that hosts a printed circuit automatically contains a measurable amount of gold, platinum, silver, and palladium. Elements with exotic names such as indium and gallium are important in new flat-screen display technologies, and all have comparatively high value in the recycling industry.
Although melting down unused cell phones to extract valuable metals does not make sense individually, in large quantities the process produces more refined metal than the original ore that bore it. Costly and comparatively rare elements are only a fraction of the metals used during manufacturing a mobile phone, which also contains copper and tin. The plastics used to create housings can also be partially reused.
The key is collecting and processing those discarded items profitably. Individuals routinely do this type of work, which can be handled more efficiently by a business employing several people. In most locales it begins by separating individual components manually, removing the processors and microchips from their original frames. The remaining materials are then run through a specialized shredder that makes further separation possible.
After having been re-mined, most of the remainder then sold back to manufacturing firms for the creation of new products. Manufacturers benefit because they do not have to extract as much basic raw material from the earth, and consumers also enjoy somewhat lower prices as a result. Disposing of personal electronic waste responsibly is only part of the overall scenario, which has a predictably darker side.
As the mound of electronic debris grows exponentially each year, recycling efforts have increased, but cannot keep pace with the enormous quantities that are being consistently created. The health hazards they pose are well-documented, and include lead and mercury poisoning. Exposed children experience developmental problems, and adults often suffer from respiratory and brain issues.
The extent of this type of contamination is difficult to accurately track using conventional processes. The issue exists because of current economic and societal realities, and can be solved in a similar manner. Although it is urgent to remind people of the health hazards that uncontrolled e-waste dumping produces, the most practical solution for the long term is further development of business that profits from recycled electronics.
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