April 12, 2014 – 10 Days until Earth Day…
Only 10 percent of the 140.3 million cell phones retired in 2007 were recycled
A Technological World
Globally, more than 1 billion mobile phones were sold in 2007, up from 896 million in 2006. This trend is expected to continue to rise as prices go down and accessibility goes up. Of the 2.25 million tons of electronics (TVs, cell phones, computers, etc) retired in 2007, 82 percent were discarded, mostly to landfills. 20 to 50 million metric tons of electronic waste are generated worldwide every year, enough to fill a line of dump-trucks stretching half way around the globe. Only 11.4% of that is recovered for “recycling.”
E-Waste
E-waste is a term used to cover almost all types of electrical and electronic equipment that has or could enter the waste stream. Although e-waste is a general term, it can be considered to cover TVs, computers, mobile phones, white goods (e.g. fridges, washing machines, dryers etc), home entertainment and stereo systems, toys, toasters, kettles – almost any household or business item with circuitry or electrical components with power or battery supply. Modern electronics contain up to 60 different elements – many valuable, some hazardous and some both. E-waste contains some very toxic substances, such as mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, beryllium and brominated flame retardants. When the latter are burned at low temperatures they create additional toxins, such as halogenated dioxins and furans – some of the mosttoxic substances known to humankind. The toxic materials in electronics can cause cancer, reproductive disorders, endocrine disruption, and many other health problems if this waste stream is not properly managed.
Resources
Manufacturing of mobile phones and personal computers consumes 3% of the gold and silver mined worldwide each year; 13% of the palladium and 15% of cobalt. Recycling one million cell phones allows 35,274 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium to be recovered. If we recycled all of the cell phones retired each year, we would save enough energy to power 18,500 homes for a year. Recycling one million laptops saves enough energy to power 3,657 American homes in a year.
Protect your Health and your Planet
Upcycling
- is the action of giving devices a second life
- the mission to keep electronics out of landfills
- funding important causes without writing a check
- nearly doubles the environmental impact of recycling
Upcycling is the smartest way to turn used consumer electronics into something very good and very green. When you donate your used electronics you create funding for your cause and their important initiatives while ensuring that your used electronics are responsibly and safely handled. Causes International features a list of non-profit organizations where you can donate your old devices.
Repurpose
- to reuse for a different purpose, on a long-term basis, without alteration
- to alter to make more suited for a different purpose
With a little creativity, you can come up with many methods in which you can repurpose your old cell phones and other retired electronic devices in new and interesting ways. Apps exist that allow you to turn your old smart phone into a keyboard and mouse set for your computer, or even a webcam. MakeUseOf shows more solutions including turning an old computer into a cat bed.
Trade it in
Websites like Amazon allow you to trade-in old electronics in exchange for an Amazon gift card. Companies such asApple, AT&T, Game Stop, Target and Verizon offer to buy back your devices in return for store credit.
Recycle Responsibly
If there is no other viable solution but to recycle your old electronics, visit websites such as Earth911 andGreenerGadgets in order to find a location near you where you can drop off your electronics and ensure that they will be disposed of in an environmentally responsible and safe manner. Companies like Best Buy, Office Depot and Staplesalso offer to take old or damaged devices off of your hands free of charge or for a small processing fee.
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