By the year 2017, the Earth will feel the weight of as much as eight additional Egyptian Pyramids.
A recent United Nations analysis reported the average U.S. resident generates 66 pounds of e-waste per year; a problem that does not seem to be decelerating. If end-of-life electronics are not handled properly, the United Nations estimates a worldwide increase of e-waste by 33% in the next five years. The total weight would be equivalent to eight ancient Egyptian Pyramids.
Mobile phones in the United States account for the largest quantity of used electronics, but TVs are the heaviest flow of generated and collected used electronics, while computer monitors are the most massive exports. Most is destined for disposal or recycling in North America or Latin America.
Toxic heavy metals found in electronics were not meant to be tossed away in landfills or incinerators, as they cause detrimental harm to the environment and its people. When recycled by an R2-certified ITAD provider, these valuable and precious metals, including gold, aluminum and copper, can be separated and reused.
Tis’ the season to recycle your electronics responsibly
Much of the end-of-life e-waste taking over landfills is generated around the holidays. When new iPads, tablets and smartphones are wrapped up and tied with a bright, red bow, the old are discarded.
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) and Earth911 have joined together to launch Project Reboot promoting electronics recycling this holiday season and beyond.
Refurbished electronics are a great way to help this cause! A significant amount of electronics thrown away are not yet at their end-of-life stage. IT asset management and ITAD providers expertly refurbish these used electronics back to proper working conditions and sell them at a fraction of the cost.
This eco-friendly frame of mind saves not only you, but also the environment! With an ever growing e-waste stream, there is no room for slightly used, still functional electronics to end up in the landfill, potentially still containing loads of your sensitive information.
Refurbished electronics may not be seen in the best light sometimes, but they do come with a lot of benefits. If you don’t believe us, check out the HOBI Shop on eBay.
While 2017 brings all around growth in the world of electronics recycling and technology, not all of that growth is welcomed with open arms.
By the year 2017…
Your future smartphone will know you better than you know yourself
The profit of China’s e-waste disposal industry will exceed 1 billion USD
One in every five tablets sold will be an enterprise device
Sprint aims to collect back an average of nine devices for every 10 devices sold