Carolyn Recycling is a process that seeks to save the world from the high levels of pollution that exist on the planet. However, there are objects that are difficult to recycle such as scrap or electronic waste. In this article, we introduce you to what is the e-waste its function and some characteristics. In the same way, it explains how to prevent the accumulation of this garbage through recycling.
Concept and meaning of e-waste or electronic waste
In the world there is a large amount of garbage and waste that creates high levels of pollution. That is why, nowadays, it is so important to recycling processes where devices, objects and products are reused. However, there are certain things that are considered non-recyclable materials that cause some inconvenience. Here, it is possible to include certain elements of computing, but not all.
So, there is a lot of electronic junk that can be recycled and used for other purposes. Thus was born what is known as E-waste, a term that comes from English. It is the abbreviated title of electronic wastewhich in Spanish translates as electronic waste.
In this language it is also called electronic scrap, garbage or electrical pollution. Although, more formally, the abbreviation WEEE is assigned to it. This denomination belongs to the initials Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. It must be clarified that, despite the different titles in Spanish, the term e-waste is usually used.
What is e-waste in computing for?
The e-waste or electronic scrap includes all equipment and technology devices. For example, a computer, a monitor, telephones cell phones, televisions, printers, etc Which because they are damaged are put into disuse. In the same way, it covers those devices that are already obsolete, so they become electronic waste.
So, these equipment and devices have already fulfilled what is the useful life. So, they no longer have the capacity to exercise or fulfill the functions for which they were created. Likewise, another cause of e-waste is due to the fact that companies seek create new devices with more frenquency.
Therefore, they saturate the market with new merchandise that has updates and better features. This causes old equipment to stop receiving use from its owners. Producing in turn an increase in electronic waste and pollution.
The e-waste does not have a function as such, as it is not a procedure. On the contrary, it is the term used to denominate electronic waste. However, e-waste generated a recycling process for these devices with the aim of help the environment.
For this reason, it seeks to reuse any toxic component that creates contamination. For this reason, many people mistake e-waste as the recycling function. However, the search for new uses for electronic waste it is a separate process, although the relationship is evident.
How does e-waste affect the environment?
Electronic trash or scrap (e-waste) comprises a large number of technology and computer items. Among the main components are all those devices that consume electrical energy. For example, cell phones, fridges or coolers, televisions and digital cameras. Likewise, it is necessary to include the computer, together with its components, CPU and the monitor.
It is necessary to clarify that all pollution has a negative effect on the environment. However, electronic waste represents a health hazard due to the high toxic compound that computing devices have. In this sense, the equipment contains parts like batteries that are made from dangerous chemicals.
So, when there is a large amount of e-waste, it must be handled very carefully. Well, depending on how long it has been there, the higher the pollution. This affects the soil in the soil, stripping it of its nutrients and dumping its chemicals there. Likewise, it can also create a toxic environment to breathe.
Among these polluting components it is possible to find mercury, which has a harmful effect on the nervous system. Likewise, the brain can be harmed by the high levels of lead required by some technological equipment. He cadmium and chromium are two other elements that are often used, which have an effect on the bones, fertility or kidneys.
By piling electronic waste in piles you run the risk of breaking a piece of a computer or other device. So, it is possible for the chemicals to mix, thus producing something toxic. These they can be deadlyTherefore, great care must be taken when handling this equipment.
How to prevent e-waste? and what to do with it?
E-waste represents a danger to the environment due to the potential pollution it can generate. That is why, several countries around the world generated some laws that seek prevent the formation of large scrap structures electronics. These rules prohibit people from hoarding many electronic items. Such as garbage or device waste, they also encourage depositing them in specialized garbage cans.
In the same way, it seeks to promote the recycling of electronic devices, even when they no longer perform their main function. In that sense, a refrigerator can act like a big drawer, a place to store other items. Likewise, the casing of a computer monitor can find a new job as a flower pot. The important thing here is to remove the cables and the pieces that can generate contamination, therefore, the structures are used.
Preventing e-waste is a complicated task, since items that are no longer useful are thrown away. Likewise, it must be remembered that companies frequently bring new devices and equipment to the market, which make many others they become obsolete. What can be done is reduce the amounts of this garbage in the same space, as well as recycle objects that can be reused.
