A Growing Problem
Electronic waste describes electronic equipment that has reached its end of life in the hands of its current user. Between 20 and 50 million tons of e-waste worldwide are generated each year.
Electronic waste describes electronic equipment that has reached its end of life in the hands of its current user. Between 20 and 50 million tons of e-waste worldwide are generated each year.
The EPA estimated that 29.9 million desktops and 12 million laptops were discarded in 2007; totaling over 112,000 computers discarded each day. Overall, a total of 157 million computer products including CPUs, monitors, notebooks, keyboards, mice, printers, faxes, and copiers — were discarded, with only 18% recycled. Approximately 126 million cell phones were also discarded in 2007, with only 10% recycled.
Up to 85% of discarded electronics were disposed of in landfills in 2007. E-waste represents 2% of trash in American landfills, but it equals 70% of the overall toxic waste in landfills, and is the fastest growing municipal waste stream in the U.S.
The proper disposal of electronic equipment is critical to maintaining a healthy environment for future generations.