pic by Atomic Attic
Electronic waste, WEEE waste or E-waste as it’s also known, is rapidly becoming a global issue at landfill level. One of the main reasons for this is because of items such as PC’s and televisions that contain heavy metals like cadmium, mercury and lead. If this wasn’t bad enough, they also contain chlorofluorocarbons and brominated flame retardants, which can ultimately contaminate the water supplies below the landfill or spread out into the atmosphere when incinerated.
Contamination like this lasts for thousands of years and will have harrowing effects for all living things.
So How Can We Cut Down on E-Waste?
London-based environmentally-friendly rubbish disposal service, Envirowaste, are here with some handy tips to help you cut down on E-Waste.
Reduce – Reduction of E-Waste is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Do you really need 4 televisions, a laptop, 2 iPads, and multiple mobile phones? How many of these electrical goods do you actually use? If one of these breaks, ask yourself…“do I really need to replace it with another?”
Repair – When something does break, try looking at repairing it yourself. YouTube is a fantastic tool to use if you want to learn how to repair something yourself.
Alternatively, take the item to a repair shop nearby. You will probably find it’s a whole lot cheaper than replacing it with the same model. There are an increase in maker’s cafe’s now where you can take appliances and electronics to fix. Experts will help you to fix your own electronics so you learn to be more self-sufficient, you save money on new tech and you give the environment a break.
Reuse – Instead of sending a perfectly good but unwanted PC or laptop to the landfill, try selling it on eBay or one of the many other online marketplaces available or donate it to a charity. This way, other people can get good use out of your unwanted electrical goods and you might be able to make some extra money. If this isn’t an option, try upgrading your PC with a couple of these tactics, such as doubling your RAM or installing a larger hard drive if you are running out space.
Recycle – If any of the previous suggestions are not an option and you have to dispose of your E-waste, there is the right way and the wrong way to do so. The wrong way would be to throw it out, where it will be taken to a landfill or incinerated, both having a hazardous effect on the environment. Then there is the right way, with companies such as Envirowaste who will come to your home or office to collect your E-waste. They will dispose of it in the most environmentally friendly way possible, so you have peace of mind you are not damaging the environment for future generations.
Upcycle – Turn your old computers onto new and useful items for your home. Here is a DIY tutorial for the cat bed made from an old iMac.