E-waste collection schemes have evolved alongside the economy’s reliance on electronic products. While more electronic items like laptops, computers, and cell phones have revolutionised the way the world operates, it has also changed common waste management systems.
Having safe and effective ways to manage e-waste is an essential part of a company’s waste management systems. Just like any other type of waste, e-waste must be handled in a secure manner.
This blog unpacks the intricacies of how e-waste collection commonly works. Business leaders and managers can use it to better understand how e-waste should be managed. Be sure to contact an official waste management company like Evoro if you have any questions about these processes.
What is E-Waste?
Electronic waste (e-waste) is any waste formed by the disposal of electronic products or their parts. Due to the variety of materials used during the manufacturing process, there are many different ways to manage e-waste.
E-waste management is a necessary part of daily business operations. This is because of the vast amounts of e-waste produced annually, with some estimates suggesting that it is equal to the weight of the Great Wall of China!
Common examples of electronic waste include:
- Printer cartridges
- Unwanted electronics
- Household batteries
- Hard drives
- Car batteries
- Vacuum cleaners
- Light bulbs
- Fluorescent tubes
- Electronic equipment
- Electronic devices
- DVD players
- Computers
- Mobile phones
Why Collection of E-Waste is Critical
Collection and disposal of e-waste facilitates secure handling and appropriate disposal of the waste. Some items in e-waste contain chemicals which, when released, can be dangerous to human beings. Improper methods of disposal worsen these problems.
Moreover, wrongly disposing of any form of waste does not benefit the ecosystem. In the case of e-waste, this risk is arguably more intense. Consider lithium batteries. These can literally dissolve and poison the soil that surrounds them. Such examples underline the need for proper disposal systems.
Dedication to the Natural Ecosystem
Modern waste management focuses on the protection of the environment and dangers of disposing of waste. We should all be concerned about sources of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. E-waste has to be disposed of properly to achieve this goal. Therefore, the waste has to be properly managed and recycled.
Companies like Evoro follow environmental e-waste disposal practices, and they are an EPA-certified waste management company. This ensures that their collection and disposal systems of e-waste comply with international and local waste management laws.
Human health
As safe as electronic products can be, they pose a serious threat when being disposed of. This is particularly the case for products whose components contain harmful chemicals and other dangerous materials. Also, mishandled waste is dangerous in itself.
There are potential risks that are posed during the e-waste collection and these need to be managed. Following safe disposal and waste handling techniques greatly reduces the risks to human health. Also, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is helpful for employees during collection so that they do not contract harmful substances directly.
Resource recovery
Sometimes the best form of waste disposal is through preventing it. A concept discussed by waste management teams is the “Waste Hierarchy.”
This triangle showcases the ideal methods to dispose of waste ranked from best to worst. An example of ideal waste management would be resource recovery. Resource recovery centres are a common sight throughout Australia as well.
The recovery of electronic waste ensures that old devices get refurbished. This includes retrieving the precious metals stored in lithium batteries as well as repurposing old laptop screens for other devices.
How E-Waste Collection Works
The e-waste collection techniques used vary by company and by the type of electronic waste being collected. It is crystal clear that the logistics involved in picking up used mobile phones one-by-one differs from a full office computer network decommissioning.
It is this technological variety that enabled the collection industry to come up with a number of e-waste collection solutions tailor-made to suit every customer’s reasonable needs and preferences, at times working with existing recycling services.
E-Waste Collection Methods
- Drop-off centres: Many local governments have dedicated e-waste drop-off centres that can manage a variety of e-waste products.
- Scheduled Pick-ups: Waste management companies can coordinate recurring e-waste collection initiatives.
- E-Waste Drives: Companies can host e-waste collection drives to not only deal with their electronic waste but also to allow their surrounding communities to deal with their own waste.
E-Waste Processing
- Sorting: Waste sorting is an essential part of waste management, especially when it comes to e-waste. Here, the various waste types are separated into various waste streams.
- Dismantling: Dismantling e-waste into their various components allows for valuable materials to be removed and restored.
- Recycling: E-waste recycling remains a popular waste management system.
Consumers and their roles in e-Waste collection
Each consumer and every company shares a responsibility when it comes to the disposal and collection of e-waste. Following the set guidelines ensures that e-waste is dealt with in the best manner possible.
This has also contributed to the advancement of eco-friendly waste policies. In addition, it shows that they care about productivity and safety.
Responsibilities of a Consumer
Anything that a consumer purchases comes with some form of battery-operated e-waste. E-waste products come with suggested and proper disposal methods which need to be followed. Batteries are marked with a sign that states they should not be disposed of in a normal waste container.
As much as employing proper disposal methods may seem tedious, they are essential. Creating a habit of practicing proper waste disposal is a great way of addressing the issue. Engaging a professional waste management team would be a great idea. Such groups can guide you towards developing proper waste management strategies.
Responsibilities of a Business
It is no surprise that companies can generate vast amounts of e-waste in a year. In this case, the advanced forms of electronic devices that are used in business settings do tend to generate a lot of e-waste. There is a need for them to manage this. These can include doing more to encourage their employees to adopt proper and safe waste disposal practices.
Improvement of waste management systems is suggested for just about every business and can be as simple as implementing a computer recycling scheme.
A good starting point is a waste audit. Companies like Evoro provide waste audits for clients. This allows them to devise appropriate waste systems.
Final Thoughts
As more complex waste systems are introduced, innovations for e-waste collection continue to improve. Continuous advancement ensures the industry retains its position as a frontrunner in environmental sustainability.
A large part of these improvements is driven by technology. This can include more effective methods to separate different components of e-waste. Such advancements help reduce the risks posed to public health
For the foreseeable future, e-waste isn’t going anywhere. In addition to the increasing integration of technology into our lives, novel approaches to waste management will continue to be developed.
