Electronic waste, commonly referred to as e-waste, is its own subset consisting of waste containing electronics. Here’s what the EPA designates as e-waste:

“E-waste”, “electronic waste”, “e-scrap” and “end-of-life electronics” are terms often used to describe used electronics that are nearing the end of their useful life, and are discarded, donated or given to a recycler. Though “e-waste” is the commonly used term, EPA considers e-waste to be a subset of used electronics and recognizes the inherent value of these materials that can be reused, refurbished or recycled to minimize the actual waste that might end up in a landfill or improperly disposed in an unprotected dump site either in the US or abroad.

The issue with e-waste is that the electronic components cannot be thrown away. If these components end up in a landfill, over time, the metals, such as cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, and and plastics that make them up will enter the soil and our water table, polluting everything along the way. On top of that, many countries allow their citizens to burn e-waste which throws toxic chemicals into the air that the locals breathe in causing health issues ranging from lung problems to birth defects.

Types of E-waste

Types of e-waste vary radically. Here are the EPA’s ten categorizes for e-waste:

• Large household appliances, including cooling and freezing appliances

• Small household appliances

• IT equipment, including monitors

• Consumer electronics, including televisions

• Lamps and luminaires (including batteries)

• Toys

• Tools

• Medical devices

• Monitoring and control instruments

• Automatic dispensers

Recycling Ethically

Ethically recycling e-waste is something we all need to do. When looking to recycle your e-waste, find a business that is certified through a credible organization such as e-Stewards. That ensures your e-waste is properly handled, keeping the environment and people healthy.