Recycling E-Waste - Sustainable Solutions For Your Old Electronics

Recyclebank presents RECYCLING E-WASTE Sustainable Solutions for Your Old Electronics With each keynote speech introducing the newest generation of smartphones, tablets, and computers-faster, bigger, smarter-it's only a matter of time before older models become outdated and eventually discarded as e-waste. The rapid growth of e-waste is becoming a serious worldwide concern, but you can help mitigate your e-waste by e-cycling. WHERE DOES E-WASTE COME FROM? E-waste is any discarded electronic item. Every time an old computer or video game console is tossed out, more e-waste storage space and end-of-life management is required. E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream worldwide, according to a 2012 UN report. What contributes to this growing waste stream? The vast number and brief lifespan of electronics: 24 The average number of electronic ELECTRONIC DEVICES devices a U.S. household owns. ↑ t 00 This number may seem high, but you can likely find these electronics all over your home. TVs Computers Mobile Phones Tablets Printers & DVD/Blu-Ray Players Video Game Digital Cameras Scanners Consoles BUT 7 billion 21.7 months Estimated number of mobile The average smartphone lifespan in the U.S. phones in use in 2014. Why the short lifespan? Many electronic devices are actually designed to become obsolete within a few years, whether they stop functioning, aren't compatible with new software, or are replaced with superior technology. This is known as planned, or built-in, obsolescence. You know how your old charger doesn't fit in your new phone? That's planned obsolescence. What happens when these electronics become obsolete? Consumers are forced to buy new models and discard the old ones. Number of Electronics Thrown Away or Recycled Every Day Computers 142,000 Mobile Devices 416,000 100 200 300 400 500 (Thousands) Tons of E-Waste Generated 2011 41.5 2016 93.5 (predicted) 20 40 60 80 100 (Millions) Much of what is considered e-waste has huge potential to be recovered, either whole or in part, which would dramatically reduce the environmental and financial impacts. E-WASTE AND THE ENVIRONMENT Electronics contain valuable resources, such as precious metals, copper, aluminum, and plastics, all of which require considerable energy to process and manufacture. 70-80% of the discarded electronic devices in the U.S. end up in landfills. Discarded Electronics in Landfills Discarded Electronics Recycled, Refurbished, Donated, or Re-sold. This landfill waste represents a major loss in value compared to the resources that would have been saved had the electronics been recycled. Recyclers recover more than 50,000 tons of materials from electronics annually. 50,000 tons 52,310 tons That's almost as heavy as the Titanic! If 1 million people each recycled one old laptop: They would save energy equivalent to the annual electricity use of more than 3,500 U.S. homes. = =100 homes What's 1 million people? That's about the population of Dallas, TX, or San Jose, CA. E-cycling limits the need for new, virgin resources, some of which are rare. If those same 1 million people each recycled one old cell phone, we could recover: 35,000 lbs. Соpper 772 lbs. 75 lbs. 33 lbs. Silver Gold Palladium E-cycling reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy use associated with mining for new materials. E-cycling can also recover aluminum from e-waste. 90% Recycling aluminum saves 90% of the energy required to mine new aluminum. The discarded electronics in landfills contain heavy metals that can seep into the ground and potentially contaminate groundwater sources. Heavy metals include: "Pb *Cd 48 "As "Be Lead Arsenic Cadmium Beryllium E-cycling prevents potentially toxic chemicals from seeping into the ground/groundwater near landfills. These hazards have prompted 25 states to enact e-waste laws. THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF E-CYCLING Electronic waste not only affects the environment on a large scale, it can also make a difference in your wallet. $1,312 Average amount spent by U.S. households on electronics in 2012. $ It is often less expensive Lower manufacturing Some e-waste mail-in or for consumer electronics costs can mean lower drop-off centers require manufacturers to buy retail prices, which a fee, but many are free or even willing to buy electronics from you. recycled materials rather saves us-the than new materials. consumers-money. E-cycling some e-waste could even be profitable for you! REDUCING YOUR E-WASTE FOOTPRINT Update your device's hardware or software Visit the manufacturer's website for information on recycling a device. Certain companies contract with recycling programs that offer free shipping or drop-off. rather than buying a new version. Donate used, but still operable, electronics for refurbishment and reuse. Look for reputable, regulated e-cycling facilities in your area. Donate to charitable organizations that make donations for each device you turn in. Recyclebank Recyclebank inspires and rewards smarter, everyday choices for a more sustainable future. We know that it takes a group effort to make a positive impact, which is why we bring together communities, businesses, and people like you. Learn more about recycling and e-cycling at Recyclebank.com. 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