Few household items become obsolete as quickly as electronics. The pace of technology dictates that your new computer is passé within months of its release. Sure, software can conceal the flaws for a while, but North Americans seem addicted to upgrading to the next best thing. Not to mention that new flat-screen television. The result: a lot of electronics are discarded. According to Greenpeace, electronic waste (e-waste) contributes about 5% of all solid waste worldwide.
Many US and Canadian communities have recycling schemes. Some of these are successful, but many others are caught in a secret cycle that often includes China, where workers dismantle and recover components. Due to high charges for safe domestic disposal, large shipments of waste electronics go overseas where workers willingly handle these goods for meager pay. India and some African nations are also involved in this trade, which contravenes a number of regulations and trade agreements. One estimate is that 50-80% of electronics collected for recycling in the US ends up exported.
The presence of valuable metals, including gold, silver and copper, creates the incentive to retrieve electronic parts. In principle, it’s a good thing to recycle and reuse precious materials, rather than having them discarded. In addition, the practice provides employment for many unskilled workers. However, the methods are high-polluting and pose health and safety risks: melting over open fires, acid baths, and shredders are just some of the techniques.
Part of the problem with e-waste lies in the chemicals. If left in landfills, heavy metals and other toxic chemicals can leach into soil and water. If burned, the same chemicals become airborne, along with dioxins and furans from the plastic housing. Local rivers are polluted by this unregulated industry, including high levels of lead, mercury, cobalt, and chromium. Heavy metals bioaccumulate, particularly in the marine environment.
The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) describes the complex issues around e-waste, from economic aspects to environmental impacts. Electronics manufacturers, government agencies and other groups need to be aware of exporting waste and its long-term consequences. When unregulated, the environmental and human health costs are huge. Enforcement of existing agreements is also key. The challenge is to create products with smaller chemical footprints or more readily modified parts. The production of a single computer requires 240 kg of fossil fuels, 22 kg of chemicals and 1.5 tonnes of water.
Extending the life of electronics and appliances through donation and reuse is one step. Some manufacturers offer recycling and refurbishment programs. The problem is predicted to escalate, as developed nations are joined by developing nations in the quest for the newest and fastest and best.
