2 Minute Read:
Electronic waste or e-waste is the electronic devices in our homes and offices that are unwanted, not working, or deemed useless.
What Is E-Waste?
Modern equipment like computers, monitors, TVs, stereos, copiers, printers, smartphones, and older technology ranging from fax machines, CD players, stereos, and other electronic devices fall into this category.
While most people may only think to just dispose of these, electronic devices can be reused, resold, salvaged, or even recycled.
Because of its detrimental effects on the environment, it is critical to dispose of or send e-waste to R2-certified recycling centers.
R2-certified centers like Cal Micro Recycling will ensure the responsible recycling of your e-waste that meets quality health, safety, and environmental protection standards.
Why Is It Important to Dispose of E-Waste Correctly?
What Does E-Waste Do to the Environment?
1. Introduces Toxic Elements into the Environment
Toxic elements, such as lead, zinc, nickel, flame retardants, barium, and chromium, are found in computers and other electronic gadgets. Lead, in particular, can harm human blood, kidneys, and central and peripheral nerve systems if discharged into the environment.
2. Releases Hazardous Compounds Into the Air
Heated e-waste releases hazardous compounds into the atmosphere, harming the environment. One of the most concerning environmental consequences of e-waste is the pollution of the atmosphere.
3. Can Get Into the Groundwater
Electronic waste is buried in landfills. Once e-waste is disposed of, hazardous compounds leak from e-waste seep into the groundwater, harming both land and sea creatures. This may impact people’s health in underdeveloped nations, where the majority of electronic waste is discarded of.
4. Clogs Up Landfills
In the United States, just 10% of cell phones are recycled, and most people replace their old phones with the latest releases every 12 to 18 months. These habits increase electronic waste, and the environmental concerns associated with e-waste are only becoming worse due to a lack of appropriate recycling.
5. Leads to Serious Health Concerns
Many people in Guiyu, China, and other developing countries where e-waste is sent to, have acquired serious medical conditions, from digestive, neurological, respiratory bone issues, and even cancer. Guiyu gets shipments of hazardous e-waste from all over the world, making it China’s and possibly the world’s largest e-waste dumping facility.
Is Cal Micro Certified to Recycle E-Waste?
R2, ISO (International Organization of Standardization) 14001: 2004, CalRecycle (California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery), and ISO 45001 are among the organizations that Cal Micro Recycling has received certification from. Our company is also an approved recycler under Cal Recycle (California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery).
Interested in Learning More?
Our team of experts provides outstanding recycling services, such as electronics recycling, mobile data, and document destruction, ensuring that clients’ items and information are handled appropriately.