With the rapid rise of technology in all spheres of our lives, what to do with old electronics is becoming a serious issue. Known as e-waste, electronic waste includes a myriad of electronic products and devices that are obsolete, broken or just no longer wanted, including:
- Computers
- TVs
- Cell phones
- Monitors
- CD players
- VCRs
- Printers
- Fax Machines
Since technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, most of these devices are used for just a couple of years – often only until the next model hits the shelves. And to make matters worse, entire categories of electronic devices are being replaced with newer, more modern products –remember Betamax and VCRs?
The Dangers of E-Waste
In the United States alone, an unprecedented 3 million tons of electronic waste is thrown away each year. More than 100 million computers alone are discarded yearly, with more than 80 percent improperly tossed away.
Progress in technology will only continue accelerating, therefore e-waste will create grave consequences on both human health and the environment in the near future if we don’t watch it. Some countries, such as India and China, are already faced with this issue.
The biggest problem with putting e-waste in landfills, however, is the fact that most electronic devices contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury or beryllium. Each discarded device may only contain a minute amount of these hazardous elements, but dumping millions of electronic products in the same place can have a significant impact on the environment. These harmful elements end up in soil, water, and air as a result, affect plants, animals, and ultimately, humans.
Old devices like cell phones and computers often contain sensitive information, such as credit card and bank account numbers. When moving, it’s easy to accidentally leave these items behind, so it’s best to take precautions to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.
And keep in mind that just because you’ve upgraded to the latest model of something, doesn’t mean your old version has reached the end of its useful life. There are unethical companies who acquire unwanted electronics to ship to third-world countries where they are either sold or dumped improperly.
Recycling E-Waste
Doing our part, instead of disposing of electronics, 123JUNK looks to recycle materials such as glass, metals or plastic. When we make a pickup we sort through the items, culling out items like furniture and household goods that can be repurposed into one lot, and items to recycle, like electronics, into another. We then deliver recyclables to the local recycling center.
Various communities hold e-waste recycling days, where carloads of materials are accepted. But getting up early and waiting in line for turn may not be as convenient as simply calling 123JUNK. We can not only remove your electronic waste, we’ll help you clear the junk out from your house, attic, garage, shed or storage unit while we’re there.
Call 123JUNK
Just like we already know that recycling paper and plastic bottles can help our environment, we should also make recycling e-waste the norm. If you need to dispose of old electronics or e-waste, or just need junk hauling, and are located in Northern Virginia, Maryland or Washington, D.C., give us a call.
