E-kachra, which is often known as electronic waste, simply describes obsolete or recycled electronic equipment The question of what to do with outdated technology, nevertheless, lies underneath this seemingly straightforward statement. Since they are made of materials that can’t be securely disposed of in a landfill, like many other sorts of garbage, they require a tremendous amount of energy and resources to produce. This results in e-waste challenges, which many electronic users are unaware of. Here are some essential e-waste facts that everyone should be aware of in order to put these problems in perspective (and some excellent reasons that everyone should try to recycle
Here are the 8 Facts about E-kachra that you should know!
1. In 2020, more than 5.5 million tonnes of electronic waste were discarded.
It is estimated that about 55 million tonnes of e-waste are produced a year, however because of industrial practices and expansion, it might be challenging to determine an exact figure.
2. Mercury, Lead, Arsenic, and Cadmium are just some toxic substances in e-waste.
For the production of materials like LCD panels, computer chips, and other components found in so many electronic gadgets, a wide variety of metals and chemicals are required. Many of these substances are hazardous. If we have irresponsible e-waste disposal, it could leak into the environment and result in long-term issues. One of the worst offenders is lead, which when exposed to high concentrations in the atmosphere can harm brain systems in people. Electronic garbage burning frequently causes the air to become contaminated with harmful particles, which land on nearby surfaces or are inhaled by local residents.
3. A Significant Amount of Gold and Silver is found in E-Kachra.
Recovering valuable metals is one reason why people, particularly smaller businesses, attempt to reclaim e-kachra. Gold and silver, both excellent conductors, can be recovered from e-waste. Improper e-waste management in India damages the environment and wastes a significant amount of gold and silver that could have been put to better use. Unfortunately, many of the present techniques for extracting these metals are ineffective and create additional issues.
4. About 70% of hazardous waste is made up of e-waste.
This is an issue since the volume of e-waste being produced now significantly exceeds our capacity for handling it. Much of the toxic waste is still delivered to landfills or incinerators, where it is typically burned or melted down. This is far from the best way to deal with dangerous waste; in fact, given what e-waste contains, it might make matters worse.
5. Asia receives over 80% of the U.S.’s electronic waste.
In Asia, some systems for reclamation and disposal are effective, but others are subpar and have negative environmental effects. A lot of issues arise when hazardous waste is simply burned in the middle of a settlement, as is the case at several sites. For many American firms, however, sending the waste to Asia is currently the least expensive choice.
6. Recycling E-Waste is Good for the Economy
Reusing or e-waste recycling is an additional alternative. This is safer and it provides advantages for the economy. According to reports, recycling or reusing electronic goods like laptops can generate over 300 more employment annually than alternative disposal methods. However, only 20% or so of e-waste is recycled.
7. Compared to large electronics, small electronics produce more electronic waste.
Not huge gadgets like computers, but rather smaller electronic items make up the majority of e-waste. Smaller devices are significantly more prevalent and are replaced much more frequently than larger ones (a home may have many smartphones and smart devices, but only one or two computers).
8. Most old electronics are just kept for the time being.
About 75% of e-kachra is typically just stored at home in the form of outdated phones and other items. Why? Most people simply don’t know what to do with them, from trade-ins to possibilities for e-recycling, so they frequently sit around gathering dust. These gadgets further worsen the issue when they are carelessly discarded.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing the environmental and health challenges of e-waste is urgent. Improper disposal and toxic substances in electronic waste contribute to pollution and long-term risks. However, responsible e-waste management through recycling and resource recovery offers solutions that not only mitigate hazards but also provide economic benefits and employment opportunities. Education and awareness play a crucial role in promoting sustainability. Collaboration among governments, industries, and individuals is essential to minimize e-waste generation and promote responsible disposal for a more sustainable future.