How to Properly Dispose of Electronic Waste
Electronic waste consists of electrical or electronic devices that are no longer in use due to defects or obsolescence and need to be disposed of or recycled. This term includes a wide range of devices – from smartwatches to refrigerators and washing machines. It’s important to dispose of electronic waste properly. The regulations for disposing of electronic devices are provided by the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). But how are electronic devices disposed of, why is it so important, and what can recycling look like? This post explores these questions.
When an electronic device is defective or replaced by a new one, it is important to properly dispose of the resulting electronic waste. Municipal collection points and designated collection points in retail stores are available for this purpose. Online retailers are also required to accept and dispose of electronic devices. Proper disposal of electronic devices means that the materials recovered can be recycled or that still functional or easily repairable devices can have a second life. Regular maintenance or physical protection measures can also extend the lifespan of electronic devices.
Why Proper Disposal of Electronic Waste is Important
In 2021, 1,006,370 tons of electronic waste were collected, mostly from private households. Disposing of electronic waste is a collective task shared by consumers, public waste disposal agencies, and manufacturers, who share product responsibility under the Electronics Act (ElektroG). The aim of the European directive, transposed into national law, is to increase the proportion of correctly disposed electronics to reduce the environmental and health impacts of hazardous substances and to prevent waste from old devices. The focus is on reuse and recycling of e-devices. Most electronic waste contains valuable raw materials, such as gold, silver, and copper, which can be recovered through proper disposal. Moreover, electronic waste often contains hazardous substances like lead or mercury, which can significantly harm the environment if disposed of improperly.
E-Waste Disposal Options for End Customers
The legally mandated product responsibility, known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), shared by waste disposal agencies and manufacturers, has made disposing of electronic waste much easier for consumers. They can drop off their old devices at a municipal collection point or a store with a designated collection point. Both brick-and-mortar and online retailers are required to accept electronic devices for recycling free of charge. The key to disposing of electronic waste at these locations is the collection point marking. If this is visible, the electronics can be disposed of without a receipt or other proof of purchase, regardless of the original purchase location. For example, a smartphone ordered online can be disposed of at designated collection points. Additional disposal options include bulky waste collection or hiring fee-based disposal companies for pickup and disposal or recycling, which is especially worthwhile when large amounts of electronic devices need to be disposed of.
Recycling and Remarketing of Electronic Devices
Electronic waste is usually disposed of for two reasons: the device is defective or replaced by a new one. It might also be easily repairable or reusable. This is where remarketing comes in. If neither is possible, recycling is the alternative. Both concepts ensure the proper handling of e-waste. Recycling focuses on recovering materials from defective or obsolete devices. The devices are dismantled, and the contained materials, such as metals, plastics, and glass, are extracted and reintroduced into the production cycle. The goal of recycling is to conserve natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact by reducing the need for new raw materials. Remarketing focuses on reusing functional devices. Old but operational or easily repairable electronics are collected, cleaned, repaired, and then resold or donated. This approach not only conserves resources but also extends the product’s life and reduces waste.
Tips for End Customers: How to Avoid Electronic Waste
Preventing premature wear and tear can significantly extend the lifespan of electronic devices, reducing the need to dispose of electronic waste. Here are some tips:
- Keep devices clean and dust-free, especially ventilation slots and coolers, to avoid overheating.
- Regularly install software updates to close security gaps and improve device efficiency.
- Use cases, covers, and screen protectors to protect devices like smartphones from falls and scratches.
- Maintain battery levels between 20% and 80% to maximize battery lifespan.
- Consider repairing a device before disposing of it and buying a new one.
