Knowing that your old electronics have been properly recycled, probably gives you a piece of mind. The recycling industry completely changed itself after tons of electronic devices started being thrown away after a year or two of exploitation.
But before we dive deeper into the overall recycling process, maybe we should first explain what exactly e-waste stands for.
According to Wikipedia, e-waste or electronic waste is described to be the broad variety of electronic devices. Common types of e-waste are computers and computer equipment, consumer electronic devices, such as digital cameras, televisions and CD players, large and small appliances, electronic toys, tools and others.
Electronics turn into waste when they get out of their initial exploiting purpose. Essentially, electronic devices are not biodegradable, but can undergo a process of recycling. How to proceed when you have an old electronic device you don’t need anymore?
- Research
If you have decided you have a device you feel you don’t need anymore, do your research before throwing it away. Find a company near your location, which specializes in disposal of e-waste. Most asset disposition companies accept both small and large amount of electronics to recycle.
- Data Destruction
Should you have a laptop or a broken smartphone, your data still stays on your hard drive. Before letting go of an old device, make sure all of your information, files, passwords and such are completely wiped away. Luckily, most asset disposition companies offer data destruction services and will help you out if you have a large amount of old electronics to recycle.
- E-Waste Disposal
Electronic disposal hides its risks. A large amount of non-usable devices have hazardous components, such as LCD and plasma screens. Improper disposal of the toxic substances that can be found in old electronics hides the risk of leaching into the ground. E-waste products contain chemicals, potentially hazardous to animals and humans.
- Choose Electronics Wisely
Once recycled, your devices can be resold and sorted as raw materials, as well as dismantled as defective assets. Choosing a reliable device that essentially has a longer serving period will reduce the amount of waste you let, and is likely to be reused after the initial exploitation period is over.
- Become an E-Waste Ambassador
Informing yourself about the positives of the proper electronic waste disposal will enable you to both take better care of your devices and inform others how to apposite dispose of their old machinery and tech gadgets. The adequate e-waste disposal is a small portion of the overall recycling industry that starts little – from dividing your plastics and paper into separate containers, to responsibly sorting and disposition of hazardous waste such as toxic chemicals, expired prescription drugs and various machinery and devices.