Markethealthbeauty.com | What is E-Waste? Today’s digital lifestyle makes us very dependent on various electronic goods. We often buy the latest version of gadgets for more up to date.
As a result, the consumption of electronic goods continues to grow and old electronic goods become waste or commonly known as “e-waste”.
What is E-Waste?
E-waste is a term for electronic goods that are no longer used, and are simply thrown away, either because they are damaged or outdated. For example, mobile phones, laptops, computers, and other gadgets.
In 2016, China was on the first list of the top 10 countries that produce the most e-waste in the world (source: Statistics). You can see being asked in the image below.
Based on the data above, China is in first place with e-waste production reaching 7.2 million tons, followed by the US which produces 6.3 million tons of e-waste.
However, despite producing 7.2 tons of e-waste, the waste production per individual is only 5.2 kg. In contrast to other countries such as Germany and France, waste production per individual reaches 22.8 kg and 21.3 kg respectively.
Content in Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Electronic waste contains a variety of materials, some materials that can be reused, some that are harmful (e.g. toxic).
A. Valuable Content
Known from Statistics, there are 7 valuable contents of electronic waste that can be reused. That is gold (gold), plastic, copper (copper), aluminum, iron (iron), palladium, and silver (silver).
The data can be seen in the image below:
B. Dangerous Content
It is known from the journal Research Gate that electronic waste contains various types of halogen compounds and various metals which are toxic and endanger the health of the human body and pollute the environment.
Can be seen in the image below.
Now looking at the two types of content above, it turns out that electronic waste is very disturbing and harmful to human life and the environment. But this waste can also be reused into something useful.
In the next point, we will discuss the dangers of electronic waste and how to properly process it so that it becomes something useful.
The Danger of Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
E-waste includes B3 waste (hazardous and toxic materials) that cannot be disposed of and managed carelessly. Many harmful substances can contaminate the body and environmental ecosystems, for example, content mercury and palladium which are toxic.
Almost all of the e-waste we generate ends up in poor countries like Agbogbloshie, Ghana. There, more than 50,000 people live and make a living from scrap e-waste materials.
They usually burn the waste to get the valuable material (content) that can be resold. However, the combustion results can poison the body and the earth’s atmosphere. Because after the waste is burned, it produces new compounds that are toxic and dangerous. Then these compounds are carried by the air and contaminate the human body.
Imagine, every day they are exposed to air that has been polluted with harmful chemicals that can cause kidney disease and liver damage. Not to mention the smoke that comes from the combustion process can produce carbon monoxide which can cause the greenhouse effect.
How to Manage Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Managing electronic waste is divided into two ways:
A. Old Gadgets
To manage old gadgets so they don’t become e-waste, there are 4 ways you can do them.
- You can start looking for and collecting old gadgets that might have piled up in drawers, cupboards, or at home.
- If there is a gadget that you can’t let go of because it’s sentimental to you, then take care of it as best you can or fix it if possible.
- If there are gadgets that don’t “spark joy“for you, you can bring and put it in a special e-waste box in your city. Don’t burn it, bury it, let alone throw it away carelessly.
- Don’t forget to say thank you as a form of respect for the gadgets that have helped you so far.
B. New Gadgets
And for the new gadgets you buy, there are 5 big steps you can also take to reduce the potential for electronic waste.
- If you have to buy a new gadget, buy a gadget with long lasting quality
- Take care of the gadget so that it lasts and can be used for a long time.
- Buy gadgets with all-in features, meaning you don’t need to buy other additional accessories anymore.
- Make sure you can refrain from buying things you don’t really need.
- Finally, you can help raise awareness about the dangers of e-waste to your family, friends and relatives.
So, those are some things we need to know about e-waste as users of electronic devices. Don’t forget to share this article with your other friends.
May be useful.
