A Complete Guide to Electronic Waste Recycling

The journey from a 1.44-megabyte floppy disk to a 532-gigabyte flash drive that is smaller than the thumb is almost 50 years long. With technological innovation today, we have faster connections and smaller devices. But, do you know many of the electronics of the past half-century are still around? Wondering how? Well, it is present underground, overseas, and in the atmosphere in the form of electronic waste. The popularity of new tech has made e-waste one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. Here’s all you need to know about it.

What is E-Waste?

Any consumer or commercial electronic product that’s reached the end of its useful life is known as electronic waste or e-waste. In simpler terms, the term e-waste covers all types of electrical and electronic equipment and its parts that the owner has discarded as waste. When outdated electronics are not disposed of properly, they may have scary effects on the environment. E-waste is categorized into the following 8 categories.

• Small household appliances
• Large household appliances
• ICT and telecommunication equipment
• Medical equipment
• Consumer equipment
• Toys, leisure, and sports equipment
• Lighting equipment
• Office equipment

Where Does the E-Waste Go?

When you buy a new smartphone or computer, what do you do with the old one? Do you sell it, keep it in a drawer in the house, throw it, or recycle it? The answer to these questions will help you understand where the outdated electronics go after the end of their life. Due to a lack of awareness, most people throw the e-waste in the trash, which ultimately ends up in landfills. Currently, electronic waste accounts for 2% of the trash found in US landfills.

Apart from it, some responsible citizens donate their old but useful electronics to the NGOs. Moreover, if your electronics are not in working condition, the best way to deal with them is to contact a local recycling center. The professionals offer various services like e-waste drop-off, data destruction, and front door pick-up services to safely recycle the electronics.

Negative Effects of E-Waste When Not Recycled 

The devastating effects of electronic waste on the environment are explained here –

• When e-waste breaks down, it releases heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which can damage the soil.
• The improper disposal of e-waste can result in toxins entering the groundwater. As a result, it can pollute surface streams, ponds, and lakes, making humans and animals sick.
• When e-waste is burned, it releases hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, polluting the air and contributing to the greenhouse gas effect, leading to global warming.

Start Recycling Your E-Waste with Xtreme Green Recycling  

Now that you know the harmful effects of improper e-waste disposal, you should act responsibly. When looking for professionals for electronics and appliances recycling services in Visalia, Xtreme Green Recycling is the name you can rely on to manage your e-waste. We are a family-owned recycling and removal company serving individuals and businesses in the Central Valley. Go green with us!