Why is Electronics Waste an Issue?
Our growing dependence on electronics products both at home and in the workplace has given rise to a new environmental challenge: electronic waste. A recent study by the U.S. EPA shows that electronics already make up approximately one percent on the municipal solid waste stream. Research indicates that electronic waste is growing at three times the rate of other municipal waste.
- According to the U.S. EPA, over 20 million personal computers became obsolete in 1998 and only 13 percent were reused or recycled.
- Electronic circuit boards, batteries, and color cathode ray tubes (CRTs) can contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium. If improperly handled or disposed, these toxins can be released into the environment through landfill leachate or incinerator ash.
- In just one year, over 112 million pounds of valuable materials were recovered from disposed electronics for recycling and reuse. Materials includes steel, glass, plastic and precious metals
sjennings
posted on August 31st, 2007 at 12:19 pm
I’m no expert, but I have some knowledge of the waste business and how modern landfills are constructed. Leachate, or landfill liquid, does indeed filter down the waste mass as organic materials deteriote. However, the way these new landfills are designed, there are several impermeable layers at the base of these structures that prevent leachate from leaking out and soiling the groundwater. That being said, it is imperative that we all begin to e-cycle and keep dangerous electrical components out of the municipal trash. Thanks. Great site. I always learn something new when I’m here.