With the release of the UN’s 2024 statistics on electronic waste, a few alarming facts were revealed.
- 11 billion pounds of e-waste around the world comprises small IT equipment like laptops and smartphones.
- Americans get rid of about 47 pounds of electronics per person each year.
- Global manufacturing is increasing 5x faster than recycling facilities are.
- Just 1% of the rare earth elements used in electronic items come from recycling.
- Only 12% of the world’s
- small electronics are recycled.
- Vapes or disposable e-cigarettes are one of the leading components of e-waste today and are tossed out at a rate of 4.5 per second in the U.S.
With Windows 10 phasing out, many people find that their device drivers aren’t compatible with Windows 11. That’s causing some people to upgrade to new computers, which adds to the electronic waste being generated. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to look closely at modular electronics and the benefits of replacing a component in your computer instead of the entire system.
What Are Modular Electronics?
Modular electronics are systems where different components are linked to create a complete item. Because the components are modules, it’s easy to replace one item and restore the function to a broken system.
One way to look at modular electronics is a stereo system. Until all-in-one units were readily available, most audiophiles had different components.
You’d have the speakers connected to the receiver or amplifier. The record player, CD player, AM/FM tuner, and cassette player were separate and went into the rack, where they connected to the receiver or amplifier. If the CD player stopped working, that was the only component you had to replace. You can do the same thing with a home or work computer.
In a desktop computer, there are many different components. If your desktop stops connecting to your internet, your modem card has likely failed. Replace that component rather than your entire computer. One smaller item goes to a recycling facility for processing rather than a whole laptop.
How Do Modular Electronics Help?
Because of their design, modular electronics are meant to be taken apart to remove the failed, outdated, or slow-performing parts. Swap it out for a new part. With the quick fix, you extend your electronic device’s lifespan. That’s just one of the key benefits.
- Easy Repairs and Upgrades
If you don’t like your computer’s speed and wish it were faster and capable of handling more intense HD graphics, you could swap out the CPU and GPU for newer components that handle high frame rates. You might also need to upgrade the motherboard.
However, what you’re not doing is replacing the entire case and other components. You’re limiting what is replaced and keeping the extras from the waste stream. It’s cheaper and better for the environment.
- Heightened Data Security
Another benefit to modular electronics is that they help keep your private information safe. When you get rid of your entire computer, your hard drive likely still has private information like old tax returns, emails, logins, etc.
Restoring your device to factory settings isn’t enough. You can use software to wipe your data, but you’re not 100% certain that a stranger wouldn’t have the insight to find ways to retrieve that data.
When you’re replacing components, you can take steps to destroy data in one of the most permanent options possible. Take out your hard drive and smash the drive with a sledgehammer. The other option is to send it to a company like ERI that specializes in data destruction and provides a certificate of destruction that you keep in your records.
If you’re a business, the certificate of destruction is essential. It’s proof that you did everything that is required of those in your industry. If data is stolen, you have evidence proving your innocence.
This removes the worry and risk of trusting others with your data or just throwing it away. For businesses, this means less risk of data leaks and more peace of mind.
How to Get Started With Modular Electronics
How do you get started on smaller electronics like desktop computers or even laptops, where modular electronics are less common? Do your research. Companies like Framework offer modular laptop kits where you choose the configuration you want and get the components and case to assemble on your own.
Intel is also working on modular laptop components. As more companies join this new, exciting way to get a laptop, people will be able to hold onto their laptops for so much longer while also enjoying a custom-built system.
People have been building their own desktops for years. Purchasing the case, cards, fans, motherboards, peripherals, and other important computer parts is easy as they’re often readily available. Prices can be much lower than a pre-built system, too.
As people move towards modular electronics, they’re taking big steps into keeping viable electronic waste from the landfill or recycling stream. It’s going to stop the one-use mentality. You also end up with quality products that match your expectations and habits.
For modular electronics to truly make a difference, state and federal governments must pass “Right to Repair” laws. These laws require manufacturers to provide parts for their electronics. If your item breaks down and needs a quick repair, you don’t have to wait for an authorized repair technician. Currently, these states have passed “Right to Repair” laws for electronics.
- California
- Colorado
- Minnesota
- New York
- Oregon (Limits parts pairing, too)
Every state has legislation in the works to provide consumers with the right to repair.
Act Now by Picking the Right Recycling Partner
There’s no denying the urgency in solving today’s e-waste problem. Modular electronics is a potential game-changer when it comes to lowering the amount of electronic waste going to recycling facilities and landfills.
As Right to Repair laws go into effect in some states, it helps consumers be able to repair or upgrade their electronics without needing to upgrade to the latest model every couple of years. If you do have electronics that you have to get rid of, look for certified e-waste recycling specialists like ERI. We break down electronics and save components that are still in great shape and could be used to repair older electronics.
Certification is important. Look specifically for R2 and e-Stewards.
- e-Stewards: Electronics are not exported for processing. Data security and greenhouse gas reduction are key focuses.
- R2: Electronics are recycled in manners that protect the environment, data security, and workers handling the recycled electronics.
Data destruction is one of our specialties, and so is refurbishing. Recycle your electronics with the peace of mind that you’re supporting a sustainable, circular economy and potentially providing essential parts for modular electronics that will last decades instead of a few years. Contact ERI today to learn more about recycling electronics to ensure the usable components return to the market for modular builds.