E-Waste Disposal and Recyling

Question 1

What are the consequences of different methods of disposal of outdated technologies?

Answer 1

• Sending overseas
  Sending electronic waste (e-waste) overseas can impact the environment and lead to degradation in the receiving countries. Improper recycling may result in the release of toxic substances such as lead and mercury into the environment, polluting soil, water, and air.
• Sending to landfill
  Landfilling outdated technologies represents a waste of valuable resources, as many components and materials in electronic devices are recyclable and can be reused.
• Recycling
  Recycling outdated technologies demands energy for logistics, involving transportation, and subsequent processing. The energy intensity of recycling methods varies significantly; while some approaches are more energy-efficient, others consume larger amounts of energy.