What to do with the large amount of electronic waste that we generate?

Technology is today an inseparable part of our lives.

In a world that is increasingly committed to the environment, recycling technological objects presents a challenge.

In today’s post we talk about the large amount of electronic waste we generate and what to do with it.

Technology, a fundamental part of our day to day.

If we listed the amount of electronic items we use throughout the day, we would surely lose count.

From the alarm clock that goes off every morning to the ebook that we use before going to sleep, going of course through the mobile phone, appliances, computers …

Our routine is marked by the use of electrical devices.

Also every so often we change mobile phones for example or we need a new tablet or we buy the new game console that has just come out.

The point is that we inevitably generate a large amount of highly polluting technological waste.

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)

These wastes are commonly known as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).

And if they are not treated correctly they pose a serious risk to the environment.

These wastes are generated in large quantities worldwide and in general standards, their recycling is mismanaged.

This type of garbage already reaches the levels of plastic waste, being even more dangerous than these due to its components.

We must bear in mind that WEEE is composed of toxic elements such as copper, lead, cadmium, mercury or nickel, among others.

An inappropriate treatment of this waste in a matter of recycling, can suppose a serious problem of contamination.

Since these compounds can reach seas and rivers or emit toxic substances into the atmosphere.

What can we do with the electronic waste we generate?

It is estimated that around 40 million tons of electronic waste are generated in the world and it is expected that in 2030 they will be more than one billion tons.

The vast majority of these wastes are not recycled correctly, so the environmental problem is quite serious.

But what can we do?

• Ideally, first of all, the appliances should have a long service life.

There are many technological devices that we renew very often for a simple whim or a simple fashion, such as mobile phones.

We could commit to the environment and try to renew certain objects when absolutely necessary.

• Second that we try to repair them.

Sure there are many objects that could continue to function subjecting them to a simple repair.

What happens is that, as a rule, electronic devices tend to be cheap and we feel that they are not worth fixing.

For a little more we can have a new product.

• If we throw them away, we must make sure we take this waste to a clean point.

You can check the clean points in your area at https://www.ocu.org/consumo-familia/derechos-consumidor/calculadora/puntos-limpios

• If we are going to replace an electronic device with a new one, we can deliver it to the store where we have made the purchase.

Usually they collect them and take over their management.

Recycling is increasingly ingrained in our daily routine.

We only have to incorporate this commitment to electronic waste and always deposit it where it corresponds.

If you have any questions, contact us.