Globally, electronic waste or e-waste is a problem. These wastes come in many forms. These include cameras, microwaves, mobile phones, and laptops.
According to estimates, e-waste generation amount to roughly 50 million tons annually. By comparison, it’s like disposing of a thousand laptops every second. Smart devices like computers, televisions, laptops, and phones take up 41 percent of the total e-waste.
The increasing demand for electronic devices leads to the mounting concern about disposing of them. According to the UN Global Transboundary E-waste Flows Monitor 2022, e-waste will reach 74.7 million tons within the next eight years. By 2050, it’s most likely to breach 110 million tons if there’s no change in the e-waste disposal practices.
It doesn’t help that today’s electronic devices last only 1.5 to 13 years.
How To Properly Dispose of E-Waste
How do you curb this growing problem? Here are ways:
1. Recycle Your E-Waste
With the rate of technological advancement, most consumers replace their electronic devices at dizzying speeds. DVD players took over VCRs. Today, only a few people use these DVD players. Even devices that still work fine are replaced with newer models.
These “obsolete” devices end up in landfills. Did you know you can recycle these electronic devices? You have to make sure, though, to find a responsible recycler.
Why is this important? The same UN report shows that 83 percent of recycled e-waste underwent non-compliant recycling methods. Some people or firms even trade them illegally.
In Canada, you will find recycling programs in every region. For example, in Montreal, you can check the city’s website to get information on recyclable collection schedules.
This will allow you to put your devices to good use. There are also Montreal laptop recycling facilities that can help you donate old electronics to charities.
2. Sell Your Old Tech
Instead of letting your old electronics gather dust in your storage, sell them to someone else who might need it. This will help you offset the costs of buying a new one and also help someone own a device at a lower price. It’s also a great effort to help the environment.
Explore online sites, such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. If you have plenty of devices, you want to get rid of, holding a garage sale can help. You can also look for some electronic shops willing to buy old gadgets and appliances.
If you’re selling computers, laptops, tablets, or cellphones, reformat them to erase your personal information. Hackers can use different methods to retrieve data and use them against you.
3. Avail of Exchange Policies
Most electronic companies have an exchange policy allowing consumers to take back the old device for a newer model. In exchange, they’ll give you discounts for the next purchase.
For example, Apple and Samsung have a trade-in policy that allows you to exchange your eligible devices. You may receive a gift card or credit for your next purchase.
Do Your Part for the Environment
There’s no harm in wanting to have the latest technology. However, it pays to ensure you properly dispose of your unwanted devices. Ensuring our actions create no damage to the environment means a better world for all of humanity.
