Seven Important Facts About the Current Global E-Waste Crisis
By Veena Clay April 16, 2014 Over the past three decades, the frequent use of technological devices has skyrocketed, and so too has electronic device production. Stores are full of devices controlling everything from our daily agendas to our nightly security systems. The common use of digital devices has worked its way into every sector […]
A Closer Look at Kenya’s New E-Waste Recycling Hub
By Veena Clay April 15, 2014 For years, the developed world has been shipping its waste material to Asia and Africa for recycling. It is estimated that the U.S. exports an estimated 70-80% of its e-waste, and electronics production in America is expected to skyrocket over the next five years. This means that exports to […]
E-Cycling Around the World: China, Japan and Switzerland
By Veena Clay April 4, 2014 Beginning as early as the 1970s, countries around the world began recognizing the unique issues surrounding electronic waste and electronic waste recycling. Many countries started holding conventions and meetings to discuss the issue, which resulted in government-run recycling programs as well as a number of rules and regulations still […]
Retrieving What’s Precious: The Business of Mining Minerals from Recycled Electronics
By Veena Clay March 28, 2014 As electronic goods continue to top the list of growing sources of waste material, a heightened market for the precious minerals within them is also emerging. Though recycling these minerals requires considerable research and specialized skill, new technologies are helping the process become one of the most important on […]
Top State E-Recycling Programs
By Veena Clay March 20, 2014 All 50 states currently operate an electronics recycling program. These programs are usually governed by a central recycling law that outlines requirements for disposing, handling, collecting, recycling and reusing electronic devices. In nearly every state, the recycling program is free, with states providing an online database or 1-800 number […]
Five Ways Recycling Electronics Protects the Planet
By Veena Clay March 5, 2014 The use of electronic materials and products has exploded over the past two decades in nearly every household across America. In fact, according to the EPA, the average American household contains 24 or more electronic devices. This phenomena has shifted the way we communicate and interact with each other […]
By Sophia Bennett March 4, 2014 Cell phones are one of the most frequently replaced items out there. According to Wirefly, an online cell phone retailer, the average American gets a new cell phone every 18 months. As a result, 130 million cell phones are disposed of every year, creating an estimated 65,000 tons of […]
Ten Reasons Why Electronics Recycling is Important
By Sophia Bennett February 20, 2014 Everyone is busy. With hectic schedules and so many things to do every day, it can be easy to start sneaking items into the trash rather than recycling them. You should not let that happen with electronics. For one thing, many states have banned putting certain items with power […]
E-Waste Creates Hazardous Conditions in Third World Countries
By Sophia Bennett January 22, 2014 The playground in Agbogbloshie, Ghana is on fire. Thick black smoke pours from a pile of burning electronic waste. Mixed in the smoke are vapors from the dozens of harmful chemicals found in electronics, including mercury, arsenic and chemical fire retardants. The occurrence isn’t uncommon. Afua Hirsch, a reporter […]
Prevent Identity Theft by Safely Recycling Electronics
By Sophia Bennett January 22, 2014 Thanks to Edward Snowden and ever-changing rules for social networking sites, online privacy is very much on Americans’ minds these days. And, while some people may not care who sees the pictures of their cats or kids on Facebook, there is one area that everyone should be mindful of: […]