E-Waste to decline after 2015

Due to rapid advancement in technology, we all upgrade to new equipments getting rid of the old ones. Computers and related accessories are the largest contributors to environmental waste. A study called "Electronics Recycling and E-Waste Issues” conducted by Pike Research states that by 2015 e-waste will hit the highest point of about 73 million metric tons and will decline after that due to the regulations put forward by the government on proper recycling e-waste. According to Pike Research analysis, many companies are coming forward to recycle e-waste.

Pike Research report

• According to Pike Research report, the e-waste will be getting worse in the next several years till 2015 and will produce 73 million metric tons of waste.

• The global volume will decline after 2015 because of the initiatives taken by government regulation, electronic industry and consumer awareness.

• In Pike research analysis many companies like Cisco, Dell, HP, Motorola, Nokia, Research in Motion, Sprint Nextel, and Vodafone have taken social responsibility to eradicate e-waste by effectively treating it.

Facts: US

• There are 500 million obsolete computers in the U.S. alone.

• 130 million cell phones are disposed of annually.

• 20-24 million TVs and computers are stored annually in homes and offices.

• Only 10% of unwanted and obsolete computers are recycled.

Global initiative to curb electronic waste

Image Credit: Greenpeace

E-waste components contain toxic material, which is not biodegradable. Many countries are taking certain steps to protect the planet from e-waste.

• Landfill: According to the US EPA, more than 4.6 million tons of e-waste ended up in US landfills in 2000. Many regulations have been introduced by the European countries to prevent dumping of e-waste in the environment as it contains hazardous content.

• Recycle: Many countries are following the recycling trend and reusing the obsolete products by introducing more and more recycling plants. For example in China, Fuji Xerox has opened e-waste recycling plant in Suzhou Industrial Park in Suzhou. The plant will process 15,000 used printers and copiers and 500,000 toner drums annually.

• Efforts put in by companies: Some companies like Dell, HP and Apple are taking back their old products for recycling. Some companies carry out recycling programs free of cost. For example Dell takes back any Dell product for free and will recycle the old computer free of charge.

• E-Waste & Recycling Laws: Many federal, state and local laws have been implemented to protect the environment from e- waste. SVTC advocates for take-back laws, landfill bans and anti-export laws require electronic companies to take financial responsibility for their old and obsolete products and recycle them responsibly.

Via: Ecogeek