The electronics industry changes so rapidly that new technology inevitably becomes dated or obsolete soon after release. The latest smart phones soon take their place in attic storage along side boxy personal computers, old high-end CD players and tiny flip-phones. On average, consumers generate nearly twenty pounds of electronic garbage each year, and Dallas e-waste processing can help them recycle it responsibly.
It is no secret that many electronic components include toxins. Prior to flat screen displays, bulky cathode ray tubes needed barium, a toxic metallic element also necessary for some automobile parts and lighting elements. Circuit boards often contain cadmium, harmful to kidneys and bones. Lead, chromium, and mercury are also common in used electronics, usually surrounded by structural plastic that neither burns nor decomposes.
Even though most buyers are aware of the critical need for recycling, the accumulating mountain of electronic by-products shows no sign of diminishing world-wide. Many countries have no official disposal policy, and even the environmentally progressive European Union accounts for only one-quarter of its own total. In the United States, figures are lower, and in some cases waste is profitably exported to Asian or African countries for metal extraction.
Ideally, manufacturers would take responsibility for recycling their own products, and steps are being taken to make that a reality. Computer equipment and television product makers must now offer free recycling services for their customers in Texas as well as several other states, and are also responsible for creating public awareness of these programs. While most participate, some insist this is a consumer issue only.
Even those who make an effort to safely dispose of old equipment have little idea of its final destination. In many areas neighborhood collection events are becoming popular, and some local businesses offer free pickup. Charitable organizations solicit old computers for re-purposing in schools or churches. In some cases equipment is simply sent to destination countries battling their own waste issues, and disassembled by workers enjoying few protections.
After the old electronics are gone, there is little real assurance that they will not become a part of a foreign landfill. Some of the destination countries willingly trade environmental issues for hard currency and the chance to escape poverty. Those generating the most electronic detritus often choose solutions that are profitable in the short term, but may cause more serious issues for future generations.
In an effort to increase transparency and public trust, some disposal firms are seeking certification through independent agencies. Although some states currently fine companies for infractions, no uniform national laws governing e-waste processes currently exist on a national scale. While the proliferation of pickup and removal programs is helpful for consumers, few controls govern the final destination.
People residing in Austin increasingly choose a recycling company that is willing to openly explain how the disposal process works, and whether the material is being internationally transported. Some firms have adopted tracking systems that follow individual shipments closely, including the final destination. This not only helps control environmental pollution, but also offers better protections for workers involved in the recycling effort.
It is no secret that many electronic components include toxins. Prior to flat screen displays, bulky cathode ray tubes needed barium, a toxic metallic element also necessary for some automobile parts and lighting elements. Circuit boards often contain cadmium, harmful to kidneys and bones. Lead, chromium, and mercury are also common in used electronics, usually surrounded by structural plastic that neither burns nor decomposes.
Even though most buyers are aware of the critical need for recycling, the accumulating mountain of electronic by-products shows no sign of diminishing world-wide. Many countries have no official disposal policy, and even the environmentally progressive European Union accounts for only one-quarter of its own total. In the United States, figures are lower, and in some cases waste is profitably exported to Asian or African countries for metal extraction.
Ideally, manufacturers would take responsibility for recycling their own products, and steps are being taken to make that a reality. Computer equipment and television product makers must now offer free recycling services for their customers in Texas as well as several other states, and are also responsible for creating public awareness of these programs. While most participate, some insist this is a consumer issue only.
Even those who make an effort to safely dispose of old equipment have little idea of its final destination. In many areas neighborhood collection events are becoming popular, and some local businesses offer free pickup. Charitable organizations solicit old computers for re-purposing in schools or churches. In some cases equipment is simply sent to destination countries battling their own waste issues, and disassembled by workers enjoying few protections.
After the old electronics are gone, there is little real assurance that they will not become a part of a foreign landfill. Some of the destination countries willingly trade environmental issues for hard currency and the chance to escape poverty. Those generating the most electronic detritus often choose solutions that are profitable in the short term, but may cause more serious issues for future generations.
In an effort to increase transparency and public trust, some disposal firms are seeking certification through independent agencies. Although some states currently fine companies for infractions, no uniform national laws governing e-waste processes currently exist on a national scale. While the proliferation of pickup and removal programs is helpful for consumers, few controls govern the final destination.
People residing in Austin increasingly choose a recycling company that is willing to openly explain how the disposal process works, and whether the material is being internationally transported. Some firms have adopted tracking systems that follow individual shipments closely, including the final destination. This not only helps control environmental pollution, but also offers better protections for workers involved in the recycling effort.
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