One does not need to be a regular user of electronic products to know that electronics will not last for life. So, what happens to them after they break down? Sometimes, they are left to waste away without re-use.

Other times, these wastes are recycled. You may ask, what is e-waste recycling? What are the processes involved? What benefits are there? We have got you covered.

In this article, we’ll consider these questions in detail. We’ll also highlight common e-wastes and touch on the challenges caused by e-waste recycling.

So, let’s get right to it.

What Actually is E-waste Recycling?

In addressing this question, we must first consider what e-waste is. So, what is e-waste?

E-waste is short for electronic waste. That is, trash generated from broken, obsolete, and surplus electronic devices. You will also hear people refer to it as e-scraps.

Typically, these electronics often contain toxic chemicals and hazardous materials. And where you do not dispose of these electronics properly, it can cause the release of toxic substances into our environment.

E-waste recycling then refers to the reprocessing and re-use of these electronic wastes. It is simple. It is a process that seeks to recover material from electronic waste. This way, you can use them in new electronic products.

These electronic wastes may be in the form of home appliances like your air conditioners, televisions, electric cookers, air condoners, heater, DVDs, fans, microwaves, and radios. They may also be in the form of information tech equipment like your computers, laptops, mobile phones, batteries, hard disks, circuit boards, monitors.

You should know that e-waste is quite crucial because electronics have a short useful life. As such, they become electronic waste at a swift pace.

E-waste recycling is one of the most talked-about issues in the world today due to its potentials to reduce environmental hazards and pollution. There is also the fact that it can protect our lives as humans and other life forms existing in our world. E-waste recycling is the reuse and reprocessing of electrical and electronic equipment of any type that has been discarded or regarded as obsolete.

Recycling of e-waste is a growing trend and was initiated to protect human and environmental health mainly due to the widespread environmental pollution impacts of e-waste.

Even more, millions of electronics are in use daily. Then, when they reach the tail of their lifespan, they mostly waste away in landfills. Guess what, only 12.5% of e-waste is recycled.

Components of E-waste That Can be Recycled

  • Glass
  • Mercury
  • Circuit Boards
  • Hard Disk
  • Toner and Ink Cartridges
  • Batteries

Process of E-waste Recycling

Step 1: Collecting and Transporting
Step 2: Shredding and Sorting
Step 3: Dust Extraction
Step 4: Magnetic Separation
Step 5: Water Separation
Step 6: Purification of Waste Stream
Step 7: Preparing Recycled Materials For Sale

Benefits

  • E-waste Recycling Helps to Conserve Available Natural Resources
  • It Prioritizes Environmental Protection
  • Creates Jobs
  • Saves Landfills and Reduces Global Warming

So, E-waste is not only the concern of our country but it touches the humanity. Write us your experiences at vaguefoundation@gmail.com.

Source: Conserve Energy Future