E-waste collection schemes have evolved alongside the economy’s reliance on electronic products. While more electronic items like laptops, computers, and cell phones have revolutionised the way the world operates, it has also changed common waste management systems.
Having safe and effective ways to manage e-waste is an essential part of a company’s waste management systems. Just like any other type of waste, e-waste must be handled in a secure manner.
This blog unpacks the intricacies of how e-waste collection commonly works. Business leaders and managers can use it to better understand how e-waste should be managed. Be sure to contact an official waste management company like Cleanway if you have any questions about these processes.
What is E-Waste?
Electronic waste (e-waste) is any waste formed by the disposal of electronic products or their parts. Due to the variety of materials used during the manufacturing process, there are many different ways to manage e-waste.
E-waste management is a necessary part of daily business operations. This is because of the vast amounts of e-waste produced annually, with some estimates suggesting that it is equal to the weight of the Great Wall of China!
Common examples of electronic waste include:
- Printer cartridges
- Unwanted electronics
- Household batteries
- Hard drives
- Car batteries
- Vacuum cleaners
- Light bulbs
- Fluorescent tubes
- Electronic equipment
- Electronic devices
- DVD players
- Computers
- Mobile phones
Cleanway has written extensively about e-waste and the importance of proper e-waste management. One of our top blogs is 25 E-Waste Disposal Best Practices. Anyone interested in e-waste disposal should be sure to give it a read.
The Importance of E-Waste Collection
Safe and secure e-waste collection and disposal ensures that it is handled in an appropriate way. Certain e-waste items contain potentially harmful chemicals which can have major negative impacts on human health. Improper disposal exacerbates these issues.
Additionally, improper disposal of any waste can have a negative impact on the environment. When it comes to e-waste, this danger is arguably more severe. Lithium batteries, for instance, can break down and contaminate the soil around it. This is an example of why proper waste disposal methods must be followed.
Environmental Considerations
Modern waste management strategies seek to preserve the environment and minimise the risks associated with waste disposal. The twenty-first century seeks to lessen the impact of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Proper e-waste disposal is part of this global endeavour. Waste must be managed and recycled properly.
Waste management companies like Cleanway follow e-waste disposal environmental best practices. They are an EPA certified waste management company. This ensures that their e-waste disposal and collection systems follow local and international waste management regulations.
Human Health
While electronic products are relatively safe, they can become hazardous during the disposal process. This is especially true of electronic products that contain harmful chemicals and other hazardous materials. Additionally, improperly handled waste is in and of itself dangerous.
It is important that potential dangers are managed during the e-waste collection process. Following safe disposal and waste handling techniques minimises the potential human health risks. Additionally, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) can protect employees during the collection process to prevent contact with hazardous substances.
Resource Recovery
Sometimes waste prevention is the best waste disposal method. Waste management teams talk about the “Waste Hierarchy”. This triangle outlines the most ideal waste disposal methods to the least ideal. Resource recovery is a great example of an ideal waste management process. Additionally resource recovery centres are common across Australia.
E-waste resource recovery ensures that old electronic products are given a new lease on life. It can involve removing the precious metals found in lithium batteries and using it on other products. But it can also include removing laptop computer screens and repurposing them in another product.
How E-Waste Collection Works
E-waste collection methods vary depending on the waste company in question and the type of electronic waste being collected. It goes without saying that the logistics of collecting old cell phones and the logistics of disposing of an entire office computer network differ greatly!
The diversity of electronic products means that the waste collection industry has developed a large variety of e-waste collection options. This ensures that your specific e-waste needs and wants are catered for.
E-Waste Collection Methods
- Drop-off centres: Many local governments have dedicated e-waste drop-off centres that can manage a variety of e-waste products.
- Scheduled Pick-ups: Waste management companies can coordinate recurring e-waste collection initiatives.
- E-Waste Drives: Companies can host e-waste collection drives to not only deal their electronic waste but also to allow their surrounding communities to deal with their own waste.
E-Waste Processing
- Sorting: Waste sorting is an essential part of waste management, especially when it comes to e-waste. Here, the various waste types are separated into various waste streams.
- Dismantling: Dismantling e-waste into their various components allows for valuable materials to be removed and restored.
- Recycling: E waste recycling remains a popular waste management system. We even have an entire blog dedicated to E-waste Recycling.
Consumers and Businesses in E-Waste Collection
Both businesses and the average consumer have a responsibility when it comes to e-waste disposal and collection. Following the various protocols ensures that e-waste ends up in the correct place. This helps to promote environmentally friendly waste practices. It also highlights their commitment to efficiency and safety.
Consumer Responsibilities
Consumers who purchase or own any e-waste products should follow the suggested disposal methods. Batteries, for instance, come with a warning label that they should not be thrown in an average bin.
While following the correct disposal methods might be tedious, it is important. A great way to practise proper waste disposal is to make it a habit. Additionally, consider speaking to a professional waste management team. They can help you to develop proper waste management habits.
Business Responsibilities.
Businesses produce large amounts of e-waste annually. This should not come as a surprise considering the amount of electronic products in the modern workplace. They have a responsibility to manage this properly. This includes incentivising their workers to practise safe and secure waste management techniques.
Many businesses can benefit from improvements to their waste management systems. A great way to start is by conducting a waste audit. Companies like Cleanway offer waste audits for a variety of clients. This helps them to understand and develop bespoken waste systems.
E-Waste Collection Innovations
E-waste collection innovations continue to improve as the world develops more intricate waste systems. Constant development helps the industry remain a leader of environmental sustainability.
Technology and E-waste Collection
Technology drives a good deal of these improvements. This can include better systems to sort different e-waste components. Such improvements help to minimise potential dangers to human health.
Future Trends
E-waste is unlikely to go anywhere in the near future. Additionally, as more and more technology continues to permeate our lives, new and innovative ways to manage waste will continue to develop.