Colorado EPR Packaging Bill Sparks Controversy in the Industry
As the amount of technology we use increases, so does the amount of electronic waste we generate each year. Disposition is typically an afterthought for many companies because few understand how important it is for electronics to be properly disposed of, not only for human health but also for the sustainability of the environment.
IT equipment can pile up over time, and sometimes end up in landfills, where it is likely to remain for a long period of time. People who try to landfill their e-waste fail to consider that electronics are considered hazardous waste and not typically accepted by landfills. However, in states that allow e-waste into landfills, electronics contaminate the surrounding environment. Most landfills use a protective liner to prevent harmful chemicals from soaking into the groundwater, but after years of wear these liners can become damaged over time and leaks are always a risk.
Electronics are manufactured with precious metals such as copper, lithium, silver, gold, nickel and aluminum, some of which also contain harmful chemicals. When electronics are left in landfills for long periods of time, these chemicals can leak into holes and cracks in the protective liner and soak into the soil, contaminating the groundwater. This contamination can spread to surrounding water supplies and eventually begin to affect residents in the area. Landfills also create a toxic odor containing gas such as ammonia, methane, and carbon monoxide that pollute the air.
Electronic waste represents only about 2 percent of America’s waste in landfills, however, it equals 70 percent of overall toxic waste with 20 to 50 metric tons of e-waste disposed of worldwide each year. Proper IT asset disposition prevents electronics from going to landfills, and focuses on building a circular economy that eliminates waste altogether. ITAD enterprises like HOBI International provide recycling, repair and refurbishment services that increase the value of devices and extend their lifecycle. Repairing old devices for resale provides a larger market for used devices, and reduces the demand for brand new devices, which saves time, money and natural resources. Recycling devices that are beyond the end of their use eliminates waste by reusing scrap materials in manufacturing rather than mining more raw materials.
Protecting our environment is just as important as protecting our personal information. ITAD enterprises help reduce environmental liability and ensure the safety of your data as well as the health of others.
For more information about our ITAD services call 817-814-2620, or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.
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