6 Shocking Facts About The Global E-Waste Crisis

The growing e-waste crisis is quickly becoming a serious issue that humanity needs a solution for. Electronic waste or e-waste, for short, is the accumulation, dumping, and disposal of electronic products that are no longer required. According to statistics, approximately 53 million metric tonnes of e-waste are generated each year. As per a report by the United Nations, since 2015, e-waste has reached record-high levels. These important facts about the current global e-waste crisis indicate one thing: The development of stringent national electronic recycling is the need of the hour.

E-waste includes, but is not limited to old cell phones, computers, and laptops. E-waste also includes old devices like worn-out printers, fax machines, batteries, TVs, cameras, DVD players, and much more. Even solar panel recycling is an irrefutable aspect of e-waste recycling. Currently, it is estimated by researchers that only 10 to 20% of e-waste gets recycled. The unethical disposal of this e-waste can have serious environmental consequences which is why end of life hardware destruction is so crucial in the contemporary digital era. E-waste companies must possess proper accreditations and certifications such as the R2, NAID, and e-Stewards certifications.

ERI Direct is one such world-class E-waste company that ticks all of the aforementioned boxes. Furthermore, this company also offers data destruction, ITAD, and cybersecurity services. So if you are a business owner, you must contact ERI Direct today for added security and industrial sustainability. ERI Direct is one of the best providers of electronic recycling in Fresno. The e-waste crisis is not discussed as much as it should be. Well, this is so partly because most people are unaware of just how concerning the global e-waste crisis has become. Here are 6 shocking facts to give you an insight into the worldwide e-waste crisis:

1. E-Waste Contains Highly Toxic Materials

Some of the most toxic materials such as cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, etc., are present in discarded electronics. When incorrectly disposed off, these materials can have lethal consequences on health and ecology. For example, exposure to lead can create neurological problems and other debilitating conditions. When e-waste is burned or incinerated, it also creates air pollution, and those who breathe this polluted air can develop breathing problems and other chronic health conditions.

2. Most E-Waste Is Dumped Overseas 

Instead of effectively managing their e-waste, many American organizations simply ship their E-waste to Asian countries. It is estimated that almost 80% of e-waste that is generated in the USA gets illegally dumped in poor and underdeveloped Asian countries. This malpractice is a great threat for the local people who get exposed to this e-waste.

3. Recycling E-Waste Creates Employment

Recycling electronics has major benefits for humanity. Not only is it good for the environment, but it is also a boon for the economy. Thousands of jobs are created every year, thanks to the e-waste recycling industry. From managers and customer representatives to drivers and sorters, there are various job roles in this field and it is a source of livelihood for many people in the United States.

4. Majority of E-Waste Is Kept Unused

Around 75% of worn-out electronics remain unused in people’s homes. Since most owners of gadgets are not sure about the correct way to dispose of e-waste, they let those devices gather dust at home. Think about how much it would cut costs and help the environment if everyone committed to e-waste recycling and ethical data destruction.

5. The Fastest Growing Type of Waste 

As per World Economic Forum’s reports from 2019, electronic waste is the most rapidly growing type of waste. The issue of unrecycled e-waste is serious and some major reforms need to be made by the government so that businesses handle their e-waste more efficiently.

6. Gold and Silver Composition

You would be surprised to know electronic devices such as mobile phones contain gold and silver components. By recycling these items, the intrinsic value of these materials can be utilized. Furthermore, it can reduce the mining and excavation activities thereby reducing habitat destruction, soil erosion, exhaustion of non-renewable resources, and so on.

On a Final Note

Businesses that overlook ecological consciousness and a sustainable approach towards advancement can quickly gain a bad rep. However, by consulting ERI Direct, your organization can get customized and data-driven solutions when it comes to e-waste management, data security, and recycling. So take the leap and embrace the calls to action by political leaders, activists, educators, and policymakers.