A lot has changed since Joseph Henry invented the world’s first electronic device—a relay remote switch. Humans have since developed an increasing dependence on electronic devices. 

These electronic devices have evolved from the old analytical engines to high-performance computing (HPC) AI-driven supercomputers. They have also been packaged in portable packets that have found their way into every home, office, and desk in urban society. 

This universal nature of electronic devices is accompanied by a waste management problem. Certain components that make up the modern computer like the battery, contain harmful substances that sip into the environment and cause harm over time. 

Isolated, these substances exist in relatively harmless quantities. But considering the enormous volume and distribution of these electronic devices, we are faced with significant contamination problems. This is due to the irresponsible distribution and management of this electronic waste, or e-waste. Hence the reason every household should care about where their electronics end up.

What is E-Waste

E-waste is simply any electronic device—as simple as a microwave, television, phone, or as complex as a defibrillator, that is no longer of use and is disposed of. 

E-waste has become a growing problem in the world today as a result of growing technological innovations. These innovations are accompanied by millions of products packaged and distributed across the world every day. 

The launch of new products, brands, and technological marvels drives consumer engagement as fast as they drive the high electronic device turnover. This consequently causes a large number of electronic devices to become obsolete before they wear out or age. 

Everyday Electronics You Didn’t Know Were E-Waste

1. Batteries and wiring: These include old extension cords, chargers, and worn-out batteries in your radio, mouse, computer, or other complex electronic devices.

2. Simple Appliances: These include simple electronic devices that are found in our households, offices, or hotels. They include; Microwaves, refrigerators, electric cookers, and fan

3. Communications and Information Technology Devices: These are the most prevalent kinds of electronic devices today, and they could be smartphones, computers, laptops, or even circuit boards.

4. Speakers and sound equipment: As long as it converts electrical signals to sound, it is an electronic device and constitutes e-waste when it is disposed of. These include mixing desks, microphones, electric keyboards, speakers, and subwoofers.

5. Medical/Office Equipment: These include devices that are used in corporate environments solely for work purposes. They could be: Dialysis Machines, Copiers/Printers, Autoclaves, Network Hardware, Power Distribution Systems, Defibrillators, as well as audio and video equipment.

Where Does Your E-Waste Really Go?

All the old, outdated, or unwanted electronic devices across the world don't vanish when they are declared obsolete. They are removed from their places of use and channeled in one of the following ways: 

• They are trashed, destroyed and end up in landfills where their toxic residue can seep into the atmosphere and pollute it

• They are sent to recycling centers or e-waste kiosks

• Informal collection for reuse, repurposing, or part extraction.

• They are repackaged and shipped off to underdeveloped countries.

Unless these electronic appliances are collected and processed properly, they pose potential environmental and health risks to everyone. 

A very common and disturbing inconsistency in the distribution of e-waste is the export to underdeveloped countries. It is typically the case that more developed countries produce more e-waste compared to their underdeveloped counterparts. 

This higher volume of e-waste per capita— more than 62 million tonnes generated in 2022, is a result of more technological advancements, industries, and high consumer demand for technological innovation. The e-waste is also shipped to less developed countries with a high demand for technological ‘hand me downs’ and little or no infrastructure to process them effectively.

This system has raised a lot of health and environmental concerns as the by-products of these E wastes pose dangers to the environment and human life if they are mismanaged— and they usually are.

Dangers of Irresponsible E-waste Management

In 2022, studies recorded an 82% increase since 2010. The most prevalent concerns about e-waste are environmental and health-related.  

Environmental Dangers

Electronics are complex devices and require a variety of materials to function. The materials could be plastics, metals, glass, powders, and even liquids. When e-waste isn't processed properly or recycled informally, it could emit harmful substances into the environment. These chemicals:

• Can pollute the air when they are burnt or destroyed.

• Can release toxic substances into the earth and, subsequently, water bodies— like lead, mercury, and cadmium.

• They can also affect the local environment, negatively influencing the biodiversity in the affected area.

Health Dangers

In underdeveloped countries, the health risks associated with e-waste continue to rise. Many individuals seek to earn a living through the illegal processing or recycling of e-waste, which exposes them to toxic chemicals in harmful quantities.

These issues are not limited to developing countries; developed nations also face risks due to the size of the e-waste industry and the challenges of proper management.

Health problems from exposure to these substances can be long-term, such as cancers and kidney diseases from prolonged contact, or immediate, including skin disorders and respiratory complications.

There’s Gold in Your Gadgets (Literally)

Considering the increasing turnover rate of electrical devices today, it would be foolish not to recognize the opportunity as well as potential present in the management and distribution of e-waste. 

Some of these cutting-edge technological innovations, as admirable as they are, often cost more than many people in underdeveloped countries can afford. This situation creates an opportunity for repair, resale, and reuse, leading to a new demand and supply chain that could generate income and employment opportunities.

Proper recycling of electronic waste also reveals valuable scrap materials and components that can be repurposed or salvaged after proper processing.

Dealing With E-Waste Responsibly 

If you've realized that discarding your old MacBook after just two years is not a wise choice, here are some steps you can take:

In most developed countries, there is an increasing availability of qualified electronic waste firms or institutions. These people know the true value of that old beat-up computer or microwave that you're about to throw in the trash. Taking it to them means you've contributed your fair share to preserving your environment and will probably get incentivized for your trouble. 

Alternatively, for people in less developed countries, giving your old laptop to a reliable repairer to fix and resell or even a gift seems like a better option than throwing it in the trash.

Conclusion

As the world evolves, our reliance on technology grows. This shift is often led by innovative tech enthusiasts and industry leaders who strive to enhance our interactions with technology. However, this rapid advancement results in significant amounts of electronic waste (e-waste) being generated.

Now more than ever, it is crucial to focus on the laws, regulations, and innovations that promote effective management of e-waste in our environment.