Business PickupSince the rise of the Digital Age, electronic waste (“e-waste”) has become a serious global issue, and everyone has a responsibility to contribute to its reduction. Manufacturers, large corporations, and other organizations play a significant role in this unique waste stream, but a large portion of e-waste also comes from consumers. For example, the average household has 24 electronics, but concerningly, 31% of consumers dispose of these devices with their regular garbage.
While it may often feel as if there isn’t much you can do at the individual level to contribute to a solution, the fact is that small changes add up. Consumer participation can go a long way in minimizing the impact of e-waste – here’s how.
The growing impact of e-waste
Millions of tonnes of e-waste are generated each year, and only a fraction of them are reused or recycled. The accumulation of e-waste in landfills contributes to global pollution, the depletion of nonrenewable resources, and health hazards caused exposure to toxins like mercury, lead, and cadmium in many electronics. While the trend is only accelerating, there’s an opportunity for us to step in now and confront the growing issue of e-waste.
Empowering consumers to reduce e-waste
There are several ways consumers can participate in the reduction of e-waste. But first, they must be aware of the severity of the issue. Here’s a closer look at what all consumers can do to reduce e-waste and its impact.
Raising awareness
While consumers have a responsibility to educate themselves on how their e-waste and other discarded materials are handled, many people are unaware of just how significant an issue e-waste is. Consumers should therefore be educated about the lifecycle of electronics and the importance of responsible disposal practices. Groups like Green America and the WEEE Forum spread the word, but everyone who has an understanding of e-waste can work to spread awareness within their communities.
Repair and reuse initiatives
Another initiative that can have a meaningful impact on e-waste reduction is that of reuse and repair. These efforts reduce the generation of e-waste by extending the lifespan of electronics. For consumers, looking to repair centers to replace or fix broken components is a good place to start. You might also trade in your devices instead of disposing of them when you’re ready to upgrade their electronics. Other options include donating end-of-life electronics to charitable organizations or re-selling items through online platforms. Companies can also use Quantum’s donation program to support a local charity.
Refurbishment & recycling
If other options have been exhausted, recycling your unwanted electronics responsibly is the next best choice. Partnering with trusted e-waste processing facilities is key here — at Quantum, we make our services available to individual consumers through our drop box locations across several Canadian municipalities.
Supporting environmentally conscious brands
As with any purchase, it’s important to shop with sustainability in mind when shopping for electronics. Consumers can make informed choices and prioritize purchasing from environmentally conscious brands. Next time you’re shopping for a tablet, computer, smartphone, or other electronics, look for companies that invest in green technology and have strong commitments to sustainability.
Advocacy for policy change
Finally, consumers can play a large role in advocating for change across many environmental issues, and e-waste is no exception. You can do your part in e-waste advocacy by staying informed about the regulations in your state, province, and/or country, and supporting any legislation that promotes responsible e-waste management. Examples include extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs and e-waste recycling regulations.
The role of individual consumers in e-waste reduction is far more important than most people realize. With informed choices and sustainable practices, every individual can contribute to the reduction of e-waste and its impact. To get your community involved, find out how we can support an e-waste collection event for your school, church, team, or other group here.