Promoting proper disposal of E-waste

It is easy to preach recycling to our communities. Households typically separate food, electronic wastes, and paper in order to be good citizens. Some of these wastes are not toxic and can easily be recycled or reused. However, there are many electronic waste products that can be harmful to us and our environment.

Getting rid of unwanted TV's, cellphones, printers, wiring and other old electronics is a difficult process. Landfills, storage, and exporting to developing countries have all been used to get rid of the waste. However, not one has resolved our problem with hazardous electronic waste or e-waste.

A disturbing fact about e-waste is that some large companies ship their waste to developing countries like China, India, and Pakistan. Companies save money by exporting their waste to these countries instead of sending it to proper recycling centres in the U.S. or Canada. E-waste creates hazardous conditions for the developing country's local people and environment.

In 2003, an article written by Jim Puckett summarized the Basel Action Network (BAN) report Exporting Harm: The High Tech Trashing of Asia. This exposed North America's willingness to send e-waste to developing countries in order to save money.  E-waste recycling in these developing countries involve "backyard burning." The labourers would pick up scrap wiring or electronic parts then burn them in open space. According to the article, this can cause the materials to release fumes which are harmful to human health. 

Proper disposal is necessary in order to get rid of e-wastes safely. BAN, a global organization who promote sustainable waste management practices, calls for better policies and to put a stop on exporting wastes to developing countries. There are also waste management companies who invest state-of-the-art electronic recycling equipment to properly dispose of e-waste. Governments and large companies should look to these waste management companies to properly dispose of their e-waste.

Not only is e-waste the responsibility of governments and big companies, we can also do our part by reducing and reusing many of the products we purchase. For example, we can help by recycling ink or laser cartridges or printers. Simply bring or call IMSinkspot.com for more information. This can significantly reduce our country's waste as well as help developing countries. 

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