Electronic waste is on the rise, and with that increase comes the need for electronics recycling programs. People are looking for information on TV recycling, computer recycling, and other programs that will help them dispose of unwanted equipment responsibly, minimizing any risk of data breaches or identity theft.
With new, affordable devices, society has reaped tremendous benefits. However, this explosive growth in the electronics industry has led to a growing problem of end-of-life (
EOL) electronics or e-waste.
This problem is receiving greater attention from policymakers, the industry, and consumers. This is good news because many consumers are still unsure how to safely dispose of old computers, smartphones, or other electronic devices. According to one report, nearly 75 percent of old electronic components remain stored in homes due to a lack of convenient recycling options.
MercadoIT analyzed some of the basic questions, such as the definition of e-waste and why it is important.
What is E-Waste?
These end-of-life (EOL) electronic devices, also known as e-waste and e-scrap, include items such as obsolete computer equipment, stereos, televisions, and cell phones. These items can often be refurbished or recycled, but a large quantity still ends up in landfills. Current recycling rates, combined with rapid growth, remain low.
What is a sustainable company?
These are companies that operate in a sustainable manner—that is, those that maintain a balance between economic, social, and environmental factors. Thus, sustainable companies are able to generate economic, environmental, and social value in both the short and long term, actively contributing to the well-being and progress of the society in which they operate.
Why is it important to recycle electronic devices?
Although it is
a rich source of raw materials on an international scale, only 10–15 percent of the gold in electronic waste is successfully recovered, while the rest is lost.
Solid Waste Management: The explosive growth in the electronics industry, combined with short product lifecycles, has led to a rapid increase in solid waste generation.
Toxic Materials: Because old electronic devices contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium, proper processing is essential to ensure that these materials are not released into the environment. They may also contain other heavy metals and flame retardants that can be potentially toxic.
International movement of hazardous waste: The uncontrolled movement of electronic waste to countries where labor is cheap and recycling processes are primitive has proven dangerous to the health of local residents exposed to the continuous release of toxins. This remains a concern today.
Benefits of Being a Sustainable Company.
In today’s globalized, interconnected, and competitive business world, the way corporate environmental and social issues are managed should now be an integral part of a company’s overall management strategy.
Companies that can demonstrate and perform better on these issues can expect greater shareholder value. For example, proper risk management, anticipating regulatory action, and gaining access to new markets—while contributing to the sustainable development of the environment in which they operate—will help improve results.
All of these issues have a strong impact on a company’s brand and reputation and are an increasingly important part of its value, both in real and perceived terms.
Companies that choose to adopt sustainability practices can create new growth opportunities by:
• Appealing to customer values to build trust while developing a socially and environmentally responsible image.
• Launching products and services that meet the growing social and environmental demand for conscious alternatives.
By developing more sustainable business models, companies have been able to produce goods and services using fewer resources and at lower costs. Furthermore, by improving product design and production processes, companies can reduce energy and material waste, as well as packaging and transportation costs. Reviewing processes and procedures can reduce operating costs, increase company productivity, and boost profitability.
