Electronic waste encompasses more than carelessly discarded old batteries. The terminology describes digital devices and home appliances that all can potentially become part of the local garbage landfill, and includes microwaves and coffee-makers as well as expired computers. Although once limited to prosperous consumer nations, the problem is now worldwide. Processing Austin e-waste in a profitable and efficient manner is a goal shared by most Texas cities.
Discarded electronics are more common today because basic economic conditions have improved enough worldwide to allow people to buy and use them. Because the devices are constantly being improved, there is virtually no emphasis on extending the life of older models. The highly-publicized toxic materials they contain grab sensational headlines, but are only one facet of the overall issue.
Within discarded appliances are a host of precious metals. The old cathode ray computer displays are now phased out, but any device containing a printed circuit also holds a small but significant amount of platinum, palladium, gold, and silver. Substances with generally unfamiliar names such as gallium and indium play an important role in flat-screen technology and other innovations, and all have considerable after-market value.
Although melting down unused cell phones to extract valuable metals does not make sense individually, in large quantities the process produces more refined metal than the original ore that bore it. Costly and comparatively rare elements are only a fraction of the metals used during manufacturing a mobile phone, which also contains copper and tin. The plastics used to create housings can also be partially reused.
The key to successful recycling is profitability. It can be performed on smaller scales by individuals, but the most efficient operations employ numbers of people. Most centers begin by separating individual components manually, removing both processors and microchips from the original housing. The remaining fragments are then run through a specialized chipper that shreds them and makes more intense separation possible.
After being processed to complete the extraction, the purified products are then sold back to manufacturers. The industrialists benefit from this more direct method of mining, and consumers also see personal benefits in the form of a somewhat lower pricing structure. Disposal of outdated equipment in a responsible matter is incredibly important, but is only part of the overall view.
Each year the collective mound of electronic garbage increases dramatically along with renewed efforts to promote proper disposal, but good intentions cannot keep pace with current rates of production. The associated health hazards have been proven, including mercury and lead poisoning. Children exposed to those materials often have multiple developmental problems, and adults suffer brain and respiratory issues.
The total amount of used electronic parts worldwide is very difficult to calculate or track using current methods. The problem was created in part by economic realities, and can be solved by using the same motivations. While it is important to remind populations about the physical health hazards of non-recycling, the best long-term solution is the continued development of industries that thrive on processing e-waste.
Discarded electronics are more common today because basic economic conditions have improved enough worldwide to allow people to buy and use them. Because the devices are constantly being improved, there is virtually no emphasis on extending the life of older models. The highly-publicized toxic materials they contain grab sensational headlines, but are only one facet of the overall issue.
Within discarded appliances are a host of precious metals. The old cathode ray computer displays are now phased out, but any device containing a printed circuit also holds a small but significant amount of platinum, palladium, gold, and silver. Substances with generally unfamiliar names such as gallium and indium play an important role in flat-screen technology and other innovations, and all have considerable after-market value.
Although melting down unused cell phones to extract valuable metals does not make sense individually, in large quantities the process produces more refined metal than the original ore that bore it. Costly and comparatively rare elements are only a fraction of the metals used during manufacturing a mobile phone, which also contains copper and tin. The plastics used to create housings can also be partially reused.
The key to successful recycling is profitability. It can be performed on smaller scales by individuals, but the most efficient operations employ numbers of people. Most centers begin by separating individual components manually, removing both processors and microchips from the original housing. The remaining fragments are then run through a specialized chipper that shreds them and makes more intense separation possible.
After being processed to complete the extraction, the purified products are then sold back to manufacturers. The industrialists benefit from this more direct method of mining, and consumers also see personal benefits in the form of a somewhat lower pricing structure. Disposal of outdated equipment in a responsible matter is incredibly important, but is only part of the overall view.
Each year the collective mound of electronic garbage increases dramatically along with renewed efforts to promote proper disposal, but good intentions cannot keep pace with current rates of production. The associated health hazards have been proven, including mercury and lead poisoning. Children exposed to those materials often have multiple developmental problems, and adults suffer brain and respiratory issues.
The total amount of used electronic parts worldwide is very difficult to calculate or track using current methods. The problem was created in part by economic realities, and can be solved by using the same motivations. While it is important to remind populations about the physical health hazards of non-recycling, the best long-term solution is the continued development of industries that thrive on processing e-waste.
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