In the machine age, where everyone depends on electronic gadgets for even the necessities of life, it is the responsibility of every person to dispose of e-waste carefully and safely.
For this, you must consider some points:
- If you are disposing of any electronic device, remove all personal data from it. For this, you can use data-wiping software or perform a factory reset to remove all stored information.
- According to your area guidelines, check local regulations regarding e-waste disposal. Many areas also have collection centers for electronic waste.
- You can also donate the electronic device to a charity or organisation if it is still working. This will extend the device’s lifespan and reduce e-waste.
- If the device is no longer usable, find an e-waste collection center in your area or look for certified recyclers who help with this task according to environmental and safety standards.
- You should separate batteries from electronic devices before recycling; otherwise, it can harm the environment when performing further processes. Many recycling centers have specific procedures for handling batteries due to their chemical components.
- E-waste should be properly packed because it can be damaged during transit while being transported to an e-waste factory. Use quality packaging materials to avoid leakages.
- It should never be disposed of in regular trash bins or landfills because it contains harmful materials that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly.
- Some electronics manufacturers offer to take back their products after use according to their rules or take-back programs. It should be good for safe disposal.
- Every person must spread awareness about responsible e-waste disposal practices among their friends, family, and community. People should be encouraged to follow proper disposal methods to minimize environmental harm.
Some of the methods of disposal of e-waste are:
Landfilling
It is the most common method of e-waste disposal. In this way, all the collected electronic waste is buried in man-made pits. After that, it is covered with a layer of soil, and then the pits are sealed. But it is harmful to the soil and underground water.
INCINERATION:
In this process, an incinerator is used for burning the electronic waste at very high temperatures, from 900 to 10,000 degrees Celsius. It is a controlled combustion process. This process helps to convert harmful substances into less hazardous compounds. It reduces the volume of waste.
Recycling
It is the process by which electronic wastes are recycled for further use. In this process, waste materials are converted into reusable objects. It helps to reduce waste, which results in conserving resources and minimizing pollution. It involves collecting, sorting, and processing materials like paper, glass, plastic, and metal so they can be used to make new products for further usage.