Business PickupThe costs of e-waste often bring to mind immediate implications such as fines and penalties. Consisting of phones, computers, and other digital devices, much of this waste winds up in landfills. Yet, beyond the more obvious consequences of improper e-waste disposal, there are many hidden costs that have immense implications when added up. Here, we uncover the lesser-known costs of e-waste across the globe.
Hidden environmental costs of e-waste
Though we may not be able to see it firsthand, e-waste is creating a nightmarish situation across the globe. Pollution from improper disposal leads to soil contamination in landfills and their surrounding environments: as much as 85% of this toxic waste winds up in landfills, mostly in Asia or Africa. Heavy metals in e-waste include lithium, lead, mercury, and others.
Once e-waste pollution seeps into the soil, it can also make its way into groundwater. From there, the toxins can pollute ponds, rivers, and lakes. E-waste even pollutes the air, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, due to the fact that some of it is incinerated and leaks harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. The potential long-term costs of environmental damage caused by e-waste are difficult to put a numerical value on, but for a planet that has already been heavily impacted by industrialization, the effects of this pollution cannot be overstated.
E-waste and its health risks
For workers and communities local to e-waste disposal sites, exposure to hazardous materials like lead, cadmium, and mercury poses serious health risks. Many workers on e-waste sites are unprotected while being exposed to toxic substances. These toxins are harmful to the body’s major organs and systems, including the heart, lever, and brain, as well as the nervous and reproductive system.
While workers may face the greatest risk, it’s possible people in more remote areas may also become affected by spreading pollution. It’s likely that illness caused by toxic e-waste exposure could pose tremendous burdens at both the individual and societal level, putting added pressure on healthcare systems that are already strained.
The economic implications of improper e-waste management
Aside from the potential threats e-waste poses for ecosystems and humans, failure to recycle electronics properly also presents economic losses due to wasted materials. For one, cellphones and other electronics have valuable precious metals such as gold and silver, which can be recovered and reused. Improper cellphone disposal leads to significant losses of these metals, representing a staggering waste of $60 million each year in the U.S. alone. Recycling can also cut down on the amount of non-renewable resources needed to support the electronics industry, while refurbishing can reduce emissions generated during manufacturing.
Reducing the burden of e-waste with electronics recycling
The good news is that proper e-waste management can not only prevent pollution and harm to lifeforms, but it also presents opportunities for economic gain. First, responsible e-waste management creates the potential for job creation, as e-waste recycling facilities need to be staffed. Secondly, recovering high-value materials from end-of-life devices can lead to economic gains. And while the regulatory landscape is still evolving, adopting best practices for e-waste management now can also help organizations avoid fines and legal fees down the road.
Quantum allows you to play your part in reducing the costs of e-waste in terms of dollar savings, a reduced burden on the environment, and the peace of mind that comes with compliance. Find out more about how our customizable recycling solutions can benefit your organization.