According to the most recent report by the Global E-waste Monitor, which was drafted in partnership with the United Nations University, the average European generates 16.2 kilograms of e-waste (discarded electronics and electrical items) per year.
With all the accidents that befall smartphones and tablets, and the never-ending need for up-to-date computers and household appliances, our societies buy and throw away high-tech items at an astonishing rate.
Once discarded, this e-waste, as it is called, becomes a major environmental hazard.
Here are some tips on how to correctly recycle unwanted electronics.
How about not buying items in the first place?
Before they become waste, electrical items and electronics have to be selected and purchased. And ahead of these transactions you should seriously be wondering about your need for them.
If you really cannot do without a new computer or a new phone for example, you can always opt to purchase a refurbished one.
At the same time, if the device you are replacing is still functional, you should either consider selling it or giving it away to a needy friend, or a charity that will sell it in your stead.
What about repairing the one you have got?
Repairing household machines can considerably delay their planned obsolescence.
In many cities, there are plenty of repair services that will put broken devices back on their feet for another few years.
Alternatively, you might like to consider doing the work yourself.
Even if you are not particularly technically minded, there is plenty of help at hand from video tutorials on the internet and burgeoning networks of Repair Cafés, where people come together to share information and expertise.
Finally, as a last resort, charities and recycling businesses will often repair items before they consider recycling them for scrap.
Collection points
If there is no hope of bringing your device or machine back to life, you should never opt to put it in the trash.
No matter how big or small it is, whether it be a USB key or a washing machine, it is vitally important to take e-waste to an official collection point where it will be properly recycled.
Local authorities run collection points that are usually relatively convenient, especially for people who live in urban areas.
Many supermarkets are now also offering a range of collection services for small electronic items, as well as batteries and light bulbs.
For bigger items, like white goods for example, consider purchasing your new machine from a supplier who will take the old one away and make sure that it is disposed of correctly.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Wed Sep 02 2020
Before opting to recycle old machines and devices, you should consider repairing or donating them. AFPRelaxpic
Kefahaman orang ramai terhadap harta intelek masih rendah - Fuziah
Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup komited meningkatkan kefahaman orang ramai yang masih rendah terhadap harta intelek, kata Timbalan Menterinya Fuziah Salleh.
MITI perkenal slogan baharu: Fokus diperbaharui pacu pelaburan, perdagangan, industri
Kementerian Pelaburan, Perdagangan dan Industri (MITI) telah memperkenalkan slogan baharu "Pemacu Potensi Global" yang mencerminkan fokusnya yang diperbaharui.
Kelaparan akut jejaskan 281.6 juta orang tahun lepas - PBB
Tahap bahaya kelaparan akut menjejaskan 281.6 juta orang tahun lepas, tahun kelima berturut-turut bahawa ketakjaminan makanan semakin memburuk.
Pusat Kargo KLIA gempar ancaman bom, rupanya bungkusan berisi komputer riba
Pusat Kargo Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) gempar apabila mesin pengimbas menerima bungkusan tertera ayat ancaman bom hari ini.
Ziana Zain giat bersenam di gimnasium, persiap diri untuk konsert solo bulan depan
Ziana Zain mahu memastikan beliau mampu memberikan yang terbaik apabila impiannya itu bakal menjadi kenyataan bulan depan.
AWANI 7:45 [25/04/2024] - Akaun KWSP distruktur semula | Pensyarah pro-Israel | Suspek tembak di KLIA didakwa | Astro Radio kekal nombor 1!
Laporan berita padat dan ringkas #AWANI745 bersama Cynthia Ng;
Tumpuan #AWANI745 malam ini:
Agihan 10% akaun tiga, pencarum boleh keluar bila-bila masa
Serangan di KLIA, Hafizul didakwa cuba bunuh isteri
SPRM sahkan Tun Mahathir disiasat isu isytihar harta
Era, Sinar, Gegar jejak dominasi saluran radio Melayu
Saksikan #AWANI745 di saluran 501 Astro AWANI, Astro AWANI apps dan astroawani.com/live-tv.
Tumpuan #AWANI745 malam ini:
Agihan 10% akaun tiga, pencarum boleh keluar bila-bila masa
Serangan di KLIA, Hafizul didakwa cuba bunuh isteri
SPRM sahkan Tun Mahathir disiasat isu isytihar harta
Era, Sinar, Gegar jejak dominasi saluran radio Melayu
Saksikan #AWANI745 di saluran 501 Astro AWANI, Astro AWANI apps dan astroawani.com/live-tv.
AWANI Ringkas: SSPA terbaik pernah diperkenalkan kerajaan - PM
AWANI Ringkas
Pasaran getah ditutup rendah bagi hari keempat berturut-turut
Pada 5 petang, harga rujukan bagi getah fizikal LGM untuk GMM 20 adalah 754 sen sekilogram manakala susu getah pukal ialah 700.5 sen sekilogram.
Bursa Malaysia ditutup rendah selepas kenaikan enam hari berturut-turut
Pada 5 petang, FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) susut 2.23 mata kepada 1,569.25 daripada 1,571.48 ketika ditutup pada Rabu.
Ringgit ditutup tinggi sedikit berbanding dolar AS
Pada 6 petang, ringgit naik kepada 4.7745/7775 berbanding dolar AS daripada 4.7765/7780 ketika ditutup pada Rabu.