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and digital devices that have the potential to become part of a landfill, and includes kitchen accessories as well as outdated computers.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.
Within discarded appliances are a host of precious metals. The old cathode ray computer displays are now phased out, but any device containing a printed circuit also holds a small but significant amount of platinum, palladium, gold, and silver. Substances with generally unfamiliar names such as gallium and indium play an important role in flat-screen technology and other innovations, and all have considerable after-market value.
While it makes little sense to attempt extraction on an individual basis, large quantities of old circuit boards actually contain more precious metals than the original ores they were made from. The expensive and uncommon elements needed for operation are only a small portion of the metals used to make a new mobile device, which also contains tin and copper. Plastic housings can also be partially recycled.
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.
It is nearly impossible to determine the actual amount of used electronic parts that are discarded worldwide. The problem is an outgrowth of societal and economic realities, and solutions can be found that make use of similar motivation for financial gain. While reminding people about the health issues of re-use is important, the most workable long-term answer will be produced by developing the industries that process e-waste profitably.
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.
Within discarded appliances are a host of precious metals. The old cathode ray computer displays are now phased out, but any device containing a printed circuit also holds a small but significant amount of platinum, palladium, gold, and silver. Substances with generally unfamiliar names such as gallium and indium play an important role in flat-screen technology and other innovations, and all have considerable after-market value.
While it makes little sense to attempt extraction on an individual basis, large quantities of old circuit boards actually contain more precious metals than the original ores they were made from. The expensive and uncommon elements needed for operation are only a small portion of the metals used to make a new mobile device, which also contains tin and copper. Plastic housings can also be partially recycled.
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.
It is nearly impossible to determine the actual amount of used electronic parts that are discarded worldwide. The problem is an outgrowth of societal and economic realities, and solutions can be found that make use of similar motivation for financial gain. While reminding people about the health issues of re-use is important, the most workable long-term answer will be produced by developing the industries that process e-waste profitably.
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