E-waste as a byproduct of a growing technology sector
Demand and production for new technological models quickly outpaces proper disposal for products
As modern consumers we are well aware of the rapid pace and nature of trends that we are encouraged to keep up with. Living in an age exploding with new technologies there are constantly new gadgets and devices on the market that will revolutionize our experiences, create efficiencies with our time, and connect us better than ever before. With the iPhone for example, we are frequently introduced to new models that create a stir in the market and encourage swapping out existing technologies for an upgrade. Innovators and Early Adopters jumping on the trend first gain access to the latest and greatest storage, camera, and unique features. In time, the product adoption trend shows the general population begins to take to the products and integrate them into their routines as well (The Daily Egg 2017). With the rise in technology so exists the rise in e-waste.
E-waste refers to electronic waste, including products such as smart phones, refrigerators, printers, and televisions that become outdated, unwanted, or broken (recycle coach 2019). Only a small subset of such discarded goods gets recycled with the rest sent to landfills, incinerated, or in some cases illegally traded or exported (recycle coach 2019). E-waste has quickly grown to become one of the world’s fastest growing solid-waste issues. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that in back in 2009 consumers and businesses discarded e-waste in all its forms to total 2.37 million tons. According to Time.com, “Americans spent $71 billion on telephone and communication equipment in 2017, nearly five times what they spent in 2010 even when adjusted for inflation.” Such trends of consumption are on the rise and products are not made to last, which promotes product turnover.
E-waste is often not at the forefront for the modern consumer, however, even as the ascent of new technology is quick, many consumers do not swap out technologies frequently enough for it to garner attention. Chargers unravel and become unusable, in time phone batteries become unreliable entirely, and in unfortunate circumstances laptops fall prey to coffee spills. Many consumers do recognize from product labeling or the chemicals involved that such products should not be directly thrown out. Not knowing what to do, some consumers choose to store the obsolete item in a drawer and simply leave it there. Others ultimately unsure of proper procedure look to dispose of the e-waste more traditionally in a bin or put it on the side of the road. Time.com notes part of this trash disposal problem is regulatory, with only 19 states with laws that ban electronics from regular trash (Time 2019). Even in instances where e-waste regulation exists, it falls to the responsibility of the consumer to recycle the devices properly. Devices need to be taken to dedicated locations that offers such recycling services or directly to a recycling plant. This has been a barrier to consumers who needs to locate the service, travel to where it is offered, and in some cases pay to wipe personal data and undergo the recycling process.
Mishandling of such waste is rather common and can pose harmful human and environmental risks. Chemicals such as mercury, lead, and beryllium from e-waste find their way into the soil, water, and air (recycle coach 2019). Additionally, the EPA notes that an undetermined amount of e-waste is shipped from the US and other developed countries to developing countries that are unable to reject or handle the materials appropriately. This only diverts harmful and detrimental chemical leaks overseas. It is difficult to dispose of such products without proper facilities and practices such as open-air burning expose workers to irreversible health effects including cancers, miscarriages, and neurological disorders (EPA).
In light of this context, recycle coach details several ways to reduce e-waste and look to dispose of products properly. At a high level, by buying less electronic devices to begin with one can produce less e-waste. Taking proper care can ensure longevity of viable use as well as seeking out needed and quality devices that will last. Product reuse can exist in forms such as reselling, donating, or regifting if the product is still useable. Additionally, instead of disposing a device, opting to spend the money to repair it is a favorable selection, and in some cases for the hardy DIYer recycle coach suggests the website iFixit for solutions. If no other solutions, one should properly recycle the item; many communities have recycling events, drop offs, and plants that can dissemble the materials for usage in other products.
The issue of e-waste has quickly become a global problem, affecting some countries at disproportionate rates than others. Technology has been a solution to many problems and a source of excitement and anticipation, yet proper disposal has not caught up with the demand and production. With the rapid rate that new technology hits the market, e-waste is a growing concern. The technology industry has room to grow in terms of making it easier for consumers to repair their products. The right to repair movement offers an interesting look into such abilities by the consumer and what states it is available (repair.org). In the meantime, take care of your electronics and be sure to source out a proper recycling plant for when the time comes to handle e-waste. Until next week, stay savvy.
An Intro to e-Waste: Why It’s a Problem, Recycle Coach, 4 Oct. 2019, recyclecoach.com/blog/an-intro-to-e-waste-why-its-a-problem/.
Cleaning Up Electronic Waste (E-Waste), Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/cleaning-electronic-waste-e-waste.
Daniel Threlfall, Understanding The Product Adoption Curve Could Totally Transform Your SaaS Marketing, The Daily Egg , 23 Oct. 2017, www.crazyegg.com/blog/product-adoption-to-transform-marketing/.
“Learn About the Right to Repair.” The Repair Association, Repair.org, www.repair.org/stand-up/.
Semuels, Alana. “Electronic Waste Is Becoming a Global Environmental Problem.” The World Has an E-Waste Problem, Time, 23 May 2019, time.com/5594380/world-electronic-waste-problem/.
I've been complaining about this for years. Many well meaning folks focus on (and even pontificate to the uninitiated) about fossil fuels and carbon issues (i.e. "Everyone should drive an electric car".), but think nothing of getting a new iphone every other year (what about the heavy metals and embodied energy involved in electronics, including vehicles?). Is there any analysis that compares the impacts of a high performing combustion vehicle, compared to electric vehicles (meaning "cradle to grave")?
Another great post, thanks Ariel