There is more to electronic e-waste than carelessly discarded batteries. The terminology includes all digital devices and appliances with the potential to be tossed into a landfill, including kitchen microwave ovens as well as old computers. The problem is growing, and not limited to wealthier consumer-oriented countries. Recycling and re-using Austin e-waste both responsibly and profitably is a common goal for many Texas municipalities.
Discarded electronics are more common today because basic economic conditions have improved enough worldwide to allow people to buy and use them. Because the devices are constantly being improved, there is virtually no emphasis on extending the life of older models. The highly-publicized toxic materials they contain grab sensational headlines, but are only one facet of the overall issue.
Within discarded appliances are a host of precious metals. The old cathode ray computer displays are now phased out, but any device containing a printed circuit also holds a small but significant amount of platinum, palladium, gold, and silver. Substances with generally unfamiliar names such as gallium and indium play an important role in flat-screen technology and other innovations, and all have considerable after-market value.
While it makes little sense to attempt extraction on an individual basis, large quantities of old circuit boards actually contain more precious metals than the original ores they were made from. The expensive and uncommon elements needed for operation are only a small portion of the metals used to make a new mobile device, which also contains tin and copper. Plastic housings can also be partially recycled.
The key is collecting and processing those discarded items profitably. Individuals routinely do this type of work, which can be handled more efficiently by a business employing several people. In most locales it begins by separating individual components manually, removing the processors and microchips from their original frames. The remaining materials are then run through a specialized shredder that makes further separation possible.
After having been re-mined, most of the remainder then sold back to manufacturing firms for the creation of new products. Manufacturers benefit because they do not have to extract as much basic raw material from the earth, and consumers also enjoy somewhat lower prices as a result. Disposing of personal electronic waste responsibly is only part of the overall scenario, which has a predictably darker side.
As the amount of this discarded material increases, efforts to promote recycling have been scaled up, but the amount of waste alone still poses health hazards. The effects have been widely documented, and include both mercury and lead poisoning. Children exposed over time to these toxins often have developmental issues, and adults may suffer brain issues or respiratory problems.
The total amount of used electronic parts worldwide is very difficult to calculate or track using current methods. The problem was created in part by economic realities, and can be solved by using the same motivations. While it is important to remind populations about the physical health hazards of non-recycling, the best long-term solution is the continued development of industries that thrive on processing e-waste.
Discarded electronics are more common today because basic economic conditions have improved enough worldwide to allow people to buy and use them. Because the devices are constantly being improved, there is virtually no emphasis on extending the life of older models. The highly-publicized toxic materials they contain grab sensational headlines, but are only one facet of the overall issue.
Within discarded appliances are a host of precious metals. The old cathode ray computer displays are now phased out, but any device containing a printed circuit also holds a small but significant amount of platinum, palladium, gold, and silver. Substances with generally unfamiliar names such as gallium and indium play an important role in flat-screen technology and other innovations, and all have considerable after-market value.
While it makes little sense to attempt extraction on an individual basis, large quantities of old circuit boards actually contain more precious metals than the original ores they were made from. The expensive and uncommon elements needed for operation are only a small portion of the metals used to make a new mobile device, which also contains tin and copper. Plastic housings can also be partially recycled.
The key is collecting and processing those discarded items profitably. Individuals routinely do this type of work, which can be handled more efficiently by a business employing several people. In most locales it begins by separating individual components manually, removing the processors and microchips from their original frames. The remaining materials are then run through a specialized shredder that makes further separation possible.
After having been re-mined, most of the remainder then sold back to manufacturing firms for the creation of new products. Manufacturers benefit because they do not have to extract as much basic raw material from the earth, and consumers also enjoy somewhat lower prices as a result. Disposing of personal electronic waste responsibly is only part of the overall scenario, which has a predictably darker side.
As the amount of this discarded material increases, efforts to promote recycling have been scaled up, but the amount of waste alone still poses health hazards. The effects have been widely documented, and include both mercury and lead poisoning. Children exposed over time to these toxins often have developmental issues, and adults may suffer brain issues or respiratory problems.
The total amount of used electronic parts worldwide is very difficult to calculate or track using current methods. The problem was created in part by economic realities, and can be solved by using the same motivations. While it is important to remind populations about the physical health hazards of non-recycling, the best long-term solution is the continued development of industries that thrive on processing e-waste.
About the Author:
If you want more info on Austin e-waste services, don't look any further than our website. View this homepage by clicking on the link http://www.ztechglobal.net today.
No comments:
Post a Comment