The Facts Regarding Electronics Waste—Solutions for Better E-Waste Management

Today’s consumers love gadgets and geeky electronics. They crave the latest technology when it comes to their tablets, smart phones, mp3 players, computers and even gaming machines. Most consumers, however, do not think twice about replacement, because they do not understand how electronic waste is handled.

With the hunger for new electronics growing daily, it is important to understand just where the E-waste goes.

Statistics Regarding E-Waste

• The EPA reported that there are an estimated 112,000 computers that are discarded every day in the United States.
• It is estimated that 20 million TVs are thrown in the trash each year.
• In 2009, 2.37 million short tons of electronic waste was ready for end-of-life management – which was a 120 percent increase from 1999. One can only imagine how these numbers have increased by now in 2015.
• 141 million mobile devices were discarded in 2009. Today, many people have more than one cell phone and newer phones and models come out sooner than they used to, so these numbers too have definitely grown.
• Only 25% of the United States electronic waste is collected for recycling – and computer recycling is the most popular.

Do not let laptops and desktops pollute our environment. Laptop, electronic devices and desktop computer recycling is the responsible thing to do. Call us at 978 621 4358 or contact us online to schedule a pickup for your electronic waste now.

Where Does E-Waste Go?

The reason most consumers do not think twice about replacing their outdated electronics is because most do not understand electronic waste. More importantly, they do not understand where it goes. Because electronics are considered hazardous materials, they are not suitable for landfills. Even consumers who do practice responsibility and recycle their E-waste are surprised to find out that some irresponsible companies ship waste overseas. In a recent ABC News investigation, one company was highlighted for sending electronic waste to China and Hong Kong – creating a toxic environment for those that live there.

How to Responsibly Dispose of Your E-Waste

As a consumer, you can take responsibility for your own electronic waste by disposing of it properly. Just some of the things you can do include:

1. Taking your electronic waste to a state-approved collection site. Take your products to a company that specializes in laptop recycling and electronic waste. Make sure they are certified to responsibly manage these devices.
2. Give it away. There are homeless shelters, women’s shelters and even community projects that collect old electronics that still work. If your product is just outdated, but still operates, consider donating it to those who can use it.

Consumers know they can rely on ProTek Recycling to responsibly collect and manage E-waste. Request a quote for a non-bulk pickup in your area 978 621 4358 or find out more by contacting us online.