There is more to electronic e-waste than carelessly discarded batteries. The terminology includes all digital devices and appliances with the potential to be tossed into a landfill, including kitchen microwave ovens as well as old computers. The problem is growing, and not limited to wealthier consumer-oriented countries. Recycling and re-using Austin e-waste both responsibly and profitably is a common goal for many Texas municipalities.
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 unit a variety of precious metals exists. Even though the original computer cathode ray display monitors are gone, any device containing a printed circuit board still contains a very small but financially significant amount of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Metals with more exotic names such as indium and gallium also play an important part in new technologies, and have a measurable value when extracted.
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 process begins with collecting discarded items profitably. This can be accomplished voluntarily on a small scale by individuals, or more efficiently by larger businesses. In many locations it begins by manually separating the internal components, which removes microchips and processors from their individual frames. The remainder is then run through a device that shreds the material in a way that makes further purification possible.
After being processed to complete the extraction, the purified products are then sold back to manufacturers. The industrialists benefit from this more direct method of mining, and consumers also see personal benefits in the form of a somewhat lower pricing structure. Disposal of outdated equipment in a responsible matter is incredibly important, but is only part of the overall view.
As the amount of this discarded material increases, efforts to promote recycling have been scaled up, but the amount of waste alone still poses health hazards. The effects have been widely documented, and include both mercury and lead poisoning. Children exposed over time to these toxins often have developmental issues, and adults may suffer brain issues or respiratory problems.
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.
Inside each unit a variety of precious metals exists. Even though the original computer cathode ray display monitors are gone, any device containing a printed circuit board still contains a very small but financially significant amount of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Metals with more exotic names such as indium and gallium also play an important part in new technologies, and have a measurable value when extracted.
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 process begins with collecting discarded items profitably. This can be accomplished voluntarily on a small scale by individuals, or more efficiently by larger businesses. In many locations it begins by manually separating the internal components, which removes microchips and processors from their individual frames. The remainder is then run through a device that shreds the material in a way that makes further purification possible.
After being processed to complete the extraction, the purified products are then sold back to manufacturers. The industrialists benefit from this more direct method of mining, and consumers also see personal benefits in the form of a somewhat lower pricing structure. Disposal of outdated equipment in a responsible matter is incredibly important, but is only part of the overall view.
As the amount of this discarded material increases, efforts to promote recycling have been scaled up, but the amount of waste alone still poses health hazards. The effects have been widely documented, and include both mercury and lead poisoning. Children exposed over time to these toxins often have developmental issues, and adults may suffer brain issues or respiratory problems.
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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