With today’s technology ever changing, Australians snap up upgrades faster than ever before. It seems it’s no longer acceptable to be seen with an ‘old’ computer or mobile phone model, and in order to keep up with the benefits that new models bring to a business obsolete models are quickly forgotten. What this means is that ‘out-of-date’ gadgets are being discarded on such a regular basis that the level of e-waste in the country is growing steadily out of control.
When electronics have such a short lifespan, it’s essential that they be recycled in order to keep waste levels at a minimum. When recycled, there are a huge number of benefits not just for the environment but also for public health and the economy. Jobs are created through the electronics recycling industry, and precious metals are recovered to create new belongings such as jewellery.
Here’s a closer look at how recycling your old gadgets can help:
Landfill
Currently, Australia sends approximately 90% of its electronic waste to landfill, with electronic waste considered the fastest growing component of all waste. In 2008, it was estimated that 37 million computers were sitting in landfill, and 17 million televisions were being added every year. That’s a lot of waste just sitting there.
When televisions, computers, mobile phones and batteries are sent to landfill, the risk of the devices leaking dangerous chemicals such as mercury, lead and cadmium into the ground and water is significant. Not only is the soil from which our food is grown contaminated, but the water we drink also becomes a health hazard.
Job creation
With so many devices being tossed away every single day, the need for e-waste recycling facilities is huge. Electronic waste recycling can benefit the Australian economy by creating jobs, which stimulates spending. E-waste recycling is a complex service requiring lots of manpower.
Communities
While you yourself might not be happy to settle with your current device once a new model is released, many people are and would welcome the chance to own a device that is only a few years old. Passing on your old devices through donation is greatly welcomed by those less fortunate.
Retrieval of metal
Recycling e-waste conserves natural resources by retrieving precious materials that can then be used to make other things. While generally not used to make more electronics, the metal from a mobile phone or computer can be used to create jewellery and other valuables. The metals retrieved include gold, silver, platinum and copper, with Printed Wiring Boards (PWB) containing the highest value. (PWB also happen to contain some of the most toxic metals leaked when scrapped.)
The promotion of healthy recycling practices is key to improving Australia’s environment, healthy waterways and economy, but it’s not just down to the government to reduce the level of waste. Each and every Australian needs to start thinking about whether or not they truly need that new gadget, and if yes then E-waste recycling facilities are the best place in which recycle their old electronics.