With the progress of technology, the average number of electronic device usage in American households has also increased. This increased inclination towards electronic equipment in our daily lives has led to the challenge of electronic waste.
Surprisingly, many individuals are still unaware of the term e-waste and what it encompasses. This lack of awareness around the subject is a major cause of irresponsible dumping of used electronic gadgets.
In this blog, we will address the question of what e-waste is, its different categories, the impact of e-waste on our health and the environment, and how Recycle Technologies provides efficient solutions for all your electronic waste recycling needs.
What is E-waste and How is it Recycled
This is an important question to address. Electronic waste or e-waste are interchangeable terms and include any electrical device that houses a battery or has a cord attached. These devices should be recycled once they reach the end of their life cycle because they contain a plethora of toxic substances that can wreak havoc on the environment and human health if disposed of improperly.
The process of recycling electronics varies according to the type of the device. The general procedure that is followed with most e-waste is as follows.
Step 1: Collection
The first step in electronics recycling is collection. Recycle Technologies has designated drop-off points where customers can drop off the old electronics they wish to recycle. I
Additionally, we also offer pickup services for e-waste to business clients. Lastly, we have a convenient mail-in program that enables users to order their electronic recycling kits online and ship them back to us with their e-waste stacked safely.
Step 2: Sorting
Once the e-waste reaches the recycling facility, it is sorted to separate different varieties of e-waste. The varieties can include old batteries, TVs, computers, smartphones, microwaves, etc.
Step 3: Disassembly
This is an important step in electronics recycling and electronics are broken down into their parts in this step. For example, during battery recycling, the batteries are broken down into their outer casing, made out of plastic, the terminals, and the electrolyte mixture.
Step 4: Separation
This typically occurs through mechanical separation in which either a magnet is used or water is also sometimes used. The magnet is used to separate ferrous materials like iron. Water is used for separation to separate materials like glass and plastics and to purify the e-waste mixture.
Step 5: Recovery
Once all useful materials are recovered from the discarded electronic devices, they are sold to multiple industries to be used as raw materials in the production of new electrical equipment.
Different Categories of E-Waste
Electronic waste comes in a variety of categories. The following is the most common classification of e-waste in the United States.
- Household appliances
- Telecommunications equipment and IT devices
- Lighting devices
IT and telecommunications equipment is the major contributor of e-waste while household appliances bag the second position in this regard.
How E-Waste Affects The Environment and Public Health
The increasing volumes of electronic waste are posing serious threats to the environment, natural resources, and human health. Some of the most grave and apparent consequences of irresponsible dumping of electronic waste into landfills are as follows:
- Unpredicted weather changes due to climate change
- Contamination of freshwater resources
- Soil contamination
- Air pollution and increased greenhouse gas emission
- Toxic substances becoming a part of the human food chain
- Depletion of natural resources like rare Earth elements
- Environmental degradation
Recycle Technologies Electronics Recycling Near You
Recycle Technologies is the pioneer of expert electronic recycling services near you, no matter where you are in the USA. We have modern and well-equipped recycling centers across the nation and offer comprehensive e-waste recycling services for businesses and individuals.
E-Waste Services We Provide
We provide electronics recycling services for businesses and individuals all across the United States. Following is an overview of the services we provide in the e-waste recycling industry. For our complete list of services, you can visit our website.
- Battery Recycling
- Electronic Recycling
- Light Bulb Recycling
- Ballast Recycling
- TV Recycling
- Paper Shredding
- Hard Drive Destruction
- Phone Destruction
- Off-Site Shredding
Conclusion
The rising problem of e-waste is a concern for countries globally, because of the hazardous effects it has on the environment, natural resources, and human health. To safeguard the planet and its resources, it is essential to adopt responsible electronics recycling habits and also encourage others near you to do so.
Find Comprehensive Electronics Recycling Near You
Recycle Technologies provides an end-to-end range of electronics recycling near you in all major states of America. We are one of the leading providers of e-waste recycling services and possess several state-of-the-art recycling centers equipped to cater to a wide variety of old electronics.
Whether you are a business owner and require e-waste recycling services in bulk or a residential customer with a handful of old electronic equipment, we will cater to you with equal attention and provide expert solutions tailored to your needs.
To know more about our electronics recycling services log onto our website today.