As technology becomes more advanced it also becomes more popular. Electronics are now a part of our daily lives. This has led to a higher demand for electronics and therefore an exponential increase in electronic waste, also known as e-waste. While some people do try to recycle their electronics properly, it doesn’t always turn out the way it should. That’s why we’re going to tell you exactly why it’s important to choose a reputable recycling company. This will also extend into where your recycled electronics might be going as part of the illegal scrap trade.
Reports on Global E-Waste
Before we go any further, you must understand the gravity of the situation. 40 to 60 million metric tons of e-waste are disposed of worldwide every year. In one report from 2016, North America generated 7 million metric tons of electronic waste alone and that figured is only expected to grow.
We already discussed how not recycling your electronics is killing you. E-waste contains over 1000 different substances, some of which are hazardous substances and persistent organic pollutants. This list includes lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and beryllium; all deadly substances. Hopefully, you now understand how important it is to recycle your electronics. We also hope you are committed to recycling your electronics now as well. If you are, we want you to realize that it’s just as important to choose a reputable recycling company. We’ll tell you exactly why below.
Why it’s Important to Choose a Reputable Recycling Company
So, you’ve decided to recycle your dead or unusable electronics. Great! We truly commend you for making such an impactful decision. Now, you just drop it off anywhere that recycles electronics and you’re done, right? Unfortunately, that is not the case. Multiple studies have shown that a lot of the e-waste that is recycled in North America, ends up being sold and shipped illegally to other countries. It can go to many different places but usually ends up in developing countries such as Nigeria, China, Ghana, and India. In a 2017 study, it was estimated that 80% of the e-waste generated globally is recycled in these nations in informal and dangerous settings.
How can that be happening? It turns out that instead of disposing of electronic waste and recycling them safely and properly, some recycling companies are selling them off to these other countries to turn a profit. These countries then use unregulated practices such as melting the electronic parts down to get to valuable resources like copper. The workers are often unaware of the danger involved in what they’re doing. The process also releases extremely hazardous toxins into the air, soil, water, and environment in general, affecting generations of people to come.
You’re Safe When You Choose American Recycling
American Recycling is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. When you recycle your electronic waste with us, you can rest assured it will never leave the country. We strive to have a positive impact on the environment through responsible recycling. Part of that goal is making sure that every old electronic device that is recycled through us is never sold to another country as part of the illegal scrap trade. We take our committed to our customers and the environment seriously. When you choose American Recycling, you can rest assured that your electronic waste will be recycled properly, diligently, and professionally.
