E-waste disposal has become essential to running any business or household. Every space occupied by humans needs electronics to function. This creates large amounts of electronic waste (e-waste) that has to go somewhere.
There are various ways to dispose of electronic waste. Many of them derive from traditional waste management practices. Still, the uniqueness of electronic waste means that some of these are not as effective as they could be.
Electronic products differ from more traditional products. This is because of the materials used in their construction. Some of these materials, like the lithium found in most batteries, pose risks to human health and well-being if improperly disposed of.
The large amounts of electronic waste produced annually signify our economies’ shift towards technology. Almost all industries function because of computers and phones, and this is unlikely to change in the future.
E-waste will only grow from its current tonnage. To create a more environmentally friendly future, we must engage in waste management best practices for every type of waste product.
This blog explores 25 different e-waste disposal best practices. These methods suit many businesses and households. They are also essential to creating a greener and more waste-efficient future.
What is E-Waste?
E-waste is all types of waste generated from the disposal of electronic products. It differs from more traditional forms of waste because it is relatively new. Electronic products that are incorrectly disposed of can pose significant environmental and human health risks.
This is because of the chemical compounds used in construction and manufacturing. Some hazardous chemicals in e-waste include mercury, cadmium, and lead. Many of these chemicals are toxic to humans if not treated properly.
25 E-Waste Disposal Best Practices
The 25 e-waste disposal best practices suggest efficient and effective ways to manage this type of waste.
Practice Recycling in your Home
The saying that good things start at home is no different regarding e-waste. Recycling is one of the most effective and essential waste management methods. It ensures that as little as possible ends up in landfills.
Promoting recycling in your home sets a great example for your life. It helps people develop sustainable habits they can carry into their daily lives. It also fosters an appreciation for good waste disposal practices for the rest of your family.
Cleanway has dedicated an entire blog to E-waste Recycling.
Promote Recycling in your Community
Every human being should be working towards more sustainable e-waste management practices. By getting your whole community involved with this practice, you can help to build a better tomorrow.
It can also mark you as an active and engaged leader in your neighbourhood. Being in good standing with your community is great for wannabe politicians and local business leaders. You can develop eco-friendly practices and further locals’ trust in your ability to create a better future.
Separate E-Waste from Regular Waste
E-waste is distinct from other forms because it comprises electronic products. These can include mobile phones, laptop computers, printers, refrigerators, and more. Separating it before disposing of it ensures that each type of waste ends up where it should be.
Many people leave this task to waste disposal services. While they are happy to do it, they also wouldn’t mind an extra hand. Like recycling, waste separation should be integral to your waste management system. For businesses, waste separation provides valuable information for waste audits.
Research Chemical Compounds
Knowing the chemical composition of your electronic products can help you make more informed decisions about disposal. Mobile phone batteries, for instance, commonly contain lithium cobalt oxide. Therefore do not throw it into normal bins.
This will also allow you to decide which products you purchase better. It is vital to know what chemicals lead to soil contamination and pollution. Thus you can buy products that use alternatives, contributing to a greener future.
Engage with Manufacturers
Many electronics manufacturers and suppliers are aware of the potential contamination hazards of their products. They have several solutions to help mitigate this environmental risk.
Apple, for instance, allows you to trade in old products that they will recycle for free. This scheme helps to reduce the amount of Apple products in landfills and dumpsites. Numerous other technology companies have similar models.
Know Local Recycling Options
Almost every local community in Australia has recycling options, like curbside recycling. This is great for those who want to recycle their old electronic products but may not have the time or energy to travel far.
Electronic waste recycling helps to build a better community, so don’t be afraid to spearhead any local initiatives if none already exist. Just be sure to contact your local waste management companies for advice.
Know the Rules and Regulations
E-waste disposal best practices allow you to better understand any local rules and regulations in the waste management industry. A sound knowledge of these systems grants you the ability to make better and more informed decisions about how you dispose of your waste.
Understanding these laws gives you the power to teach those around you. It becomes another tool in your arsenal that you can use to build a better future for yourself, your family, and your community.
Buy Consciously
Making informed decisions is a great waste management tool. It ensures that any purchase considers the entire lifecycle and knows what will happen when the utility runs dry. This is especially important for electronic products with short lifespans. They include mobile phones and lightbulbs.
Buying consciously also pressures electronics manufacturers to create eco-friendly products. It similarly encourages them to run their businesses with waste disposal best practices in mind. The small part you play can change an entire industry.
Use Data Destruction Services
Old electronics can store valuable personal information. Information such as credit card numbers and personal identity documents. Make sure to wipe out this information before disposing of any electronic product.
This is not just important for those wanting to resell their old laptops or mobile phones. They can trace personal information back to you. Most people would prefer to avoid this situation. Contact your local waste management company or computer sales business. They will inform you of data destruction services.
Donate
Donating old electronic devices is an excellent waste disposal method. It reduces the amount of e-waste produced by removing it from the waste stream. What might seem like junk to you can prove very useful to someone else.
Many local schools, churches, or other community centres are often under-resourced. They would love old mobile phones and computers. Ideally, contact and utilise them as a potential part of your local recycling infrastructure. This dramatically reduces the total amount of e-waste.
Consider Planned Obsolescence
A recent study by the UNSW notes that many electronic products do not have the same lifespan as they used to. This is due to a practice known as “planned obsolescence.” Traditionally, lightbulbs and mobile phones were the products most affected by this practice. Still, it can affect other large household appliances, like washing machines.
Keeping this in mind helps individuals plan their e-waste management strategies. Although this is common in many industries, it does not have to be the case. Pressure from local communities can help to curb it.
Utilise Cloud Storage Software
Data storage produces some of the largest amounts of e-waste. This is because it traditionally requires storage devices like hard drives. However, in the age of cloud storage, you can reduce these high levels of e-waste. By storing essential data on a cloud, you reduce the need for these items.
Centralised cloud storage software also allows companies to audit different types of electronic waste. These include items like electronic pictures and files. Quantum Lifecycle Partners considers this to be a version of electronic waste.
Attend Educations Events
The key to e-waste disposal best practices is to stay informed. Electronic products will continue to develop as human societies continue to develop. With this development comes more e-waste management methods. Staying in the loop will ensure that wise decisions are made.
These educational events can touch on the environmental impact of e-waste and the health impacts of improper disposal.
Promote Recycling in your Workplace
While promoting recycling at home is an essential starting point, many Australians spend much of their days at work. E-waste Recycling infrastructure should exist in these places. Additionally, it is reasonable to assume that businesses produce vastly more amounts of e-waste. This is considering their reliance on computers and other electronic products.
Electronic waste recycling initiatives at work sometimes need a leader to step in. If your boss or business owner does not appear to take recycling seriously, then don’t be afraid to show your worth and offer to manage e-waste recycling.
Lead Volunteer Drives at Schools
Our local schools produce the next generation of environmental activists. They are the ones who will face the negative environmental impact of global warming and climate change. Thus people need to volunteer and teach young learners about e-waste disposal best practices.
Young children are also at risk. They consume many of the toxic chemicals found in mobile phones. It is essential to teach them the dangers of e-waste and the hazardous materials it consists of. They also need to learn how to manage their own e-waste creation.
Restore old Electronic Products.
Restore old electronic products in a variety of ways so long as you know what you are doing. Handle any toxic chemicals and other hazardous materials with caution. The major benefit of restoring old products is that you take them out of the waste stream.
Remember that you form e-waste when discarded devices are not formally recycled and end up in landfills. Because this causes environmental problems, try to find ways to reuse or restore old products. You can even search your local landfill for your next craft project!
Consider Lifestyle Shifts
The production of large amounts of e-waste is a direct result of our modern reliance on electronic devices. Consider reducing this reliance. There must be a reduction in E-waste amounts to lessen the environmental impact for future generations.
This would require a lifestyle shift, but it does not need to be drastic. Simply lowering the amount of electronic devices required will suffice. Ask yourself if you really need the millions of kitchen appliances constantly advertised on TV.
Host E-Waste Recycling Drives
E-waste recycling drives are a great community initiative. Everyone can safely discard their old mobile phones, computers, washing machines, batteries, and other electrical devices. Recycling drives incentivise local citizens to get involved in e-waste recycling and other waste stream initiatives.
It lets communities play their part in removing toxic chemicals and hazardous materials from their neighbourhoods.
Consider Reselling
While e-waste does contain many toxic chemicals, it also contains precious metals, like the copper found in most circuit boards. If these valuable materials are safely removed from the electronic devices, they can be resold at a profit.
But it can be even simpler. Mobile phones and washing machines are great items to resell, even for scrap parts. Reselling avoids the unnecessary physical destruction of electronic products while making money in the process.
Avoid the “Mobile Phones” Adverts
Have you ever noticed how quickly mobile phone companies create new products? It seems like every month there’s a new product shown to consumers. While this is one of the most evident examples of electronic companies advertising new products, it is far from the only one.
Avoid these types of adverts. Having the latest electronic product is not always necessary. Many times, you’re just creating more e-waste for someone else to deal with.
Support Eco-friendly Politicians
As controversial as politicians might be, they are a great way to ensure effective e-waste recycling governance. Many people in the Australian government have signed international agreements to promote eco-friendly policies.
By knowing the local politicians who support e-waste management best practices like recycling, your vote and your voice are more informed. This greatly helps reduce e-waste amounts and promotes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Build Communal Internet Cafes
Many discarded devices do not need a home in landfills. You can repurpose these devices in many ways. One method is to donate discarded devices to communal internet Cafes. They provide free computer access to those in your communities who cannot afford it.
It is also a great way to show your commitment to a sustainable future and to e-waste recycling. Local community leaders can set these places up relatively easily. They might even find funding from the local Australian government.
Create Art with Electronic Waste
The many parts that make up common e-waste items can inspire artists greatly. Circuit boards found in mobile phones contain many precious metals like gold. You can use this to create many visually stunning pieces.
Creating art with e-waste is an excellent form of recycling. This is because it requires creativity, ingenuity, and artistic vision. That said, be careful of any potential toxic chemicals common in some discarded devices.
Keep it in Storage
Storing some electronic devices is feasible so long as there is a management system in place. It is better to find a use for old products, but there is also value in keeping technology. Just be sure the components do not come apart and have a negative environmental impact. Old computers are a popular electronic product to keep due to a perception that their value might increase in the future.
Contact Trained Professionals for Toxic Chemicals
All the best e-waste disposal strategies examine ways to better utilise the product once it is no longer valuable. They involve recycling, reselling, reusing, and repurposing. Similarly, any other process that keeps them from rotting in landfills.
Trained waste management teams still provide some of the best advice for anyone interested in better waste disposal practices. They understand the waste stream process. They can offer advice to both businesses and households.