What is e-waste?
Electronic waste, commonly referred to as E-waste, is defined as any electronic or electrical equipment that either has plans to be or, already has been thrown away. This is a broad spectrum. It includes anything with a plug, cord, or electronic component like batteries. Most people think of everyday electronics as their cellphones but even calculators or children’s toys are considered e-waste. Classifying e-waste considers any technology disposed of. So whether the electronic is working but not wanted or broken and unusable, if it is electronic and thrown away, it is e-waste. The technology for e-waste truly is a broad spectrum that is part of e-waste. ​​​
Thomas Trutschel/Photothek
How have e-waste and landfills evolved over-time?
See for yourself with this juxtaposition slide.
Slide the white arrow to discover the comparisons!
(L-R) '70s: Gary Miller/National Archives, Eric Florip/The Columbian, Regis Duvignau/Reuters
(L-R) Present: Adobe Stock, Zoran Milich/Getty Images, Thomas Trutschel/Photothek
Why does it matter?
1.
POLLUTION
E-waste is argued to be one of the fastest-growing pollution problems globally. Consider how technology has evolved and is now involved in almost any day-to-day operation you can think of. With its greater involvement, we become more reliant and obsessed, we desire to get the newest upgrades. For instance, consider how many phone upgrades you have been through and if they have always been dire or just pure want.
You can read more about the lifecycle of a phone by clicking here.
2.
CONSUMERISM
With that greater contribution to daily life in addition to consumerism fueling and rewarding the constant new technology, the ongoing challenge of how best to dispose and or recycle used, and or unwanted electronics only grows as an issue globally. This has been somewhat of a concern at least since the 1970s but as we advance more in technology, the concern grows with it. When disposed of (especially improperly), electronic waste can produce various harmful impacts with toxic substances. These impacts can harm the environment and human health.
3.
DISPOSAL
If disposed of properly, humans would be able to recycle parts of the materials and properly dispose of the unrecyclable materials. This is why it is so important to make everyone aware of e-waste, address this problem, and find ways to regulate disposal protocols and manage them efficiently.
This is something you can read more about here.