How to Fight the Growing Problem of e-Waste

June 22nd, 2010

You can’t walk into an office building, no matter what size, and not find people working at computers. The days of paper files and hand written receipts are over, and with that have come an immeasurable number of computers and other technological devices such as printers, scanners, and fax machines. In some ways, this shift is a more environmentally friendly trend because there is a reduced demand for paper products. However, the problem comes when it’s time to replace the old computers and cell phones. Because of technological advancements, most electronic devices become obsolete within a matter of a few years and must be disposed of and replaced. Currently, the practice of disposing of such products can be very detrimental to the environment.Two of the most common ways of disposing electronic equipment is by dumping it in a landfill or incinerating the equipment. When placed in a landfill, which is often done in developing countries, hazardous and toxic chemicals used to make these products can seep into the ground and eventually end up in the water table. When incinerated, these devices release elements such as lead and mercury into the air. Exposure to these toxins can lead to extreme health problems for the surrounding populations. Read the rest of this entry »