Consumer electronics continue to progress and make our lives easier. The internet and home computers started to become more common in the 1990s, followed by laptops, cellphones, and tablets. Technology helps people in their daily lives at work, school, and home.
The same devices that make life easier also created a big problem. Microplastic pollution is an increasing danger. Microscopic pieces of plastic enter the atmosphere and find their way into the air, water, and soil. This pollution starts in the manufacturing process and continues throughout the device’s lifespan and through the recycling process.
Microplastics are a major concern, and one that could impact your health. Medical researchers find microplastics in your tissue and blood. Concerns of these tiny pieces creating blockages in the brain, limbs, heart, and lungs make recycling more important than ever before, but it’s also a challenging process.
How Microplastics Come From Electronics
How do microplastics get from an electronic device to the air, soil, or water? It doesn’t happen instantly, but the following processes release microplastics into the air, where they end up being breathed in. They go into the water that we drink and use for food preparation. Some settle on the soil where produce grows.
It all happens as the plastic casing, internal components, and cables experience wear and tear. Degradation releases the tiny particles.
- Heating and Cooling: When a phone, laptop, or other device heats up, that heat and eventual cooling impact the strength of plastic. This process releases microplastics into the air.
- Improper Recycling: If you don’t recycle your items or recycle them correctly, they end up in the landfill, where they break down and release plastic particles into the environment. They could also be put in incinerators or shredders by companies that don’t use processes that protect the environment, such as high-quality filtration systems.
- Rubbing: The case on your phone or other device rubs against a pocket, purse, or briefcase. That process rubs off microscopic plastic particles.
- Sunlight: UVA and UVB rays heat plastic and make it brittle. Over time, plastic breaks down and releases microplastics.
Once microplastics are in your clothing fibers, carpeting, surfaces, and the air, they travel. The U.S. National Science Foundation found that microplastics travel farther than originally believed. The distance they travel depends on their shape. Flat fibers of plastic travel up 450% longer than cylindrical or spherical fibers.
Hurdles Faced in Reducing Microplastic Pollution
People are aware of microplastics, but it’s still hard to reduce them entirely. There are many reasons manufacturers rely on plastics in product development.
- Accessible
- Durable
- Low cost
- Easily molded
- Electricity insulation properties
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
As important as it is to shift to materials that are better for the environment, it’s hard to figure out the best ways to switch away from them. Plastic costs less and offers important qualities like waterproofing and insulation against electrical currents.
New materials that are used in the production require careful planning. It’s not an easy switch as consumers won’t want to pay more, and a producer cannot sacrifice safety or resilience.
Another issue that impacts microplastic pollution is that there are few laws forcing the recycling of all types of plastic. Some states have enacted recycling laws, but only a few single-use plastics are routinely collected. Other plastics end up in the landfill anyway.
Currently, only half of the states in the U.S. have legislation in place for electronics recycling. Most states have yet to pass specific laws and follow federal laws on hazardous materials.
States like Texas stick to producer responsibility programs, but they’re limited. The takeback program used in Texas covers computers, laptops, monitors, peripherals, and televisions. It leaves out many electronics that release microplastics.
The lack of clear rules for microplastic emissions is another major challenge. While some regions are starting to create laws for single-use plastics, there are very few policies specifically targeting microplastics from durable goods like electronics. Without clear rules, companies have little reason to invest in more sustainable, and often more expensive, alternatives.
Innovations in Ending Microplastic Pollution
Because microplastics are proving to be a new concern, researchers are continually finding innovative new ways to reduce pollution.
1. Increased Use of Sustainable Plastics
Instead of using traditional plastics in devices like phones, laptops, and tablets, manufacturers and research teams are working on biodegradable plastics that perform well. Biodegradable plastic is made from items like:
- Algae
- Cornstarch
- Sugarcane
- Wheat gluten
Another option is to reuse plastic through electronics recycling. Plastic is pelleted, melted down, and reused. To maintain strength, many manufacturers blend recycled plastic with new materials.
There is hope that plastic could also be used less often. In 2008, Asus released the eco-friendly Eco Book. The case was made from strips of laminated bamboo.
Unfortunately, the laptop didn’t last. Instead, the release of the Zenbook, which uses recycled aluminum, consumer plastics, ocean plastics, and sustainable packaging.
2. Right to Repair
Many states have shifted to a “Right to Repair” mindset that helps consumers use their electronic devices for longer than usual. Consumers have the right to get parts for DIY repairs or go to any technician for repairs.
The other benefit is that the newer designs make upgrades easy to manage. Parts are designed to be snapped together instead of glued and impossible to separate.
3. Extended Producer Responsibility
Another way that microplastic pollution is reduced is by legislating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). It’s time to make manufacturers responsible for their products’ end of life. Some already do this through takeback programs when you purchase a new device from them.
If manufacturers are responsible for taking back their electronics, it makes it easier for consumers to return them when they no longer work.
Stopping Microplastic Pollution Is Everyone’s Responsibility
The only way that the reduction of microplastics can happen is if everyone does their part. Manufacturers and recycling centers need to partner with an electronics recycling company that’s dedicated to protecting the environment.
Consumers and business owners need to shop for products made from recycled materials or that are refurbished. They also need to ensure they’re properly recycling.
Even state and federal government agencies need to do their part. Recycling laws need to be in place and easy for everyone to understand. When recycling is difficult for even a small group, microplastic pollution will continue. That’s why ERI is here to help make recycling easy for everyone.
As a consumer, bring your electronics to a retailer like Best Buy, Goodwill, or Staples for recycling and refurbishing. Ship items using one of our prepaid recycling boxes. If you’re a business owner, contact us about our ITAD services. Manufacturers can contact us about takeback programs.