Gadgets have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. These electronic devices, which come in every size, shape, and purpose, have taken control of what we watch, read, engage with, and spend the most time with. Smartphones, laptops, computer monitors, motherboards, mobile chargers, headphones, batteries, and other electronic devices all pose a challenge when they reach the end of their useful lives as e-waste. Most of the e-waste that is dumped in bins ends up in landfills that are already overburdened and dying. So, what can we do about it?
Never Dump E-waste Into the Dustbin
The most important aspect of e-waste management is knowing that old electronic items such as tube lights, cell phones, computers, keyboards, headphones, and batteries, to name a few, should never be thrown away with the rest of your trash. There are designated bins for electronic waste. While you don’t see those as much as you see paper recycling bins, they are out there. It may not be in the garbage room of your building, but you should still be able to find one within reasonable distance for where you live or where you work. Just keep an eye out for e-waste drop-off bins. You can also hire an E-Waste collection service to come to your house if you’ve accumulated a considerable amount.
Dispose of E-waste Responsibly
There are now several simple ways to dispose of electronic waste. The most common and convenient method these days is to do an exchange, in which you trade in, exchange, or return your old gadgets for a new one. Old electronics are accepted by many brands, manufacturers, and online marketplaces.
Sort Your E-waste
Electronic waste should be separated at home. Electrical waste can be classified based on its size and toxicity. One category is “hefty”, which can include fridges, washing machines, or anything too big to carry to a public disposal center. Then there are “hazardous” and “non-hazardous” wastes, which are important considerations when separating your waste too.