Conclusion on E-waste management
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Ewaste is is a relatively new segment in the global problem of waste removal. It is also the fastest growing segment worldwide in discarded waste. This growing problem in the world is largely ignored or misunderstood. Many people do not understand what it is or how it affects them, the world, or the environment. So the question "What is ewaste" needs to be addressed before any solutions can be effective. Ewaste comes from the improper disposal of any number of electronic devices. These devices include computers, televisions, cell phones, or most other electronic equipment. Consumers in developed nations are quick to replace their devices because of continuous technological advances. This upgrading leads to an excess of unused electronic devices. What is done with old computers and phones is what is contributing to the ewaste problem. Some people understand the importance of properly disposing of these old units, but many more still throw them in the garbage or incinerators.
Most developed nations in the world have laws and regulations requiring that ewaste not be disposed of in landfills or be incinerated. Cities and states have set up programs accross the United States where consumers can drop off used electronic devices to be properly disposed of. The best method of disposal is to recycle this equipment. Many people do not understand that the parts in old devices can be reused in new products. There is a popular mantra used by many recylcing advocates, "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle." This slogan has widely been promoted with plastics and glass, but its message is also applicable to the disposal of ewaste. Many electronic stores offer services to help customers bring in old electronics or parts so as to dispose of them safely and properly.
Unfortunately, there is another alternative being used for the removal of ewaste in the world. Much of the ewaste in developing nations is being exported to developing countries. Many developed countries have enacted laws to prevent this from happening, but ewaste is still often being exported. The bulk of the world's ewaste is being shipped to Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan, India, and China, among others. While it seems odd that a country would willingly import another's waste, the waste is imported, sometimes illegally. This practice provides jobs and valuable scraps. Ewaste is a source of valuable metals such as gold, nickel, copper, iron, and silicon. The countries that are receiving this ewaste have lax laws protecting their workers or the environment. Many of the workers are children, or are working countless hours each day. There is also the reality that much of the refuse from electronic devices is hazardous. The dumping of these materials following the harvesting of scrap can lead to contamination of soil or water, damaging an area's environment and potentially their food sources.
The purpose of this webquest was to alert students and make them aware of the problem. Tons and tons of ewaste is dumped each year and the problems continues to grow. The tasks we have assigned are intended to increase awareness of this global situation and encourage students to research not only the problem, but potential solutions. The numbers are mind blowing and awareness is a good way to begin resolving or attending to the problem.
Most developed nations in the world have laws and regulations requiring that ewaste not be disposed of in landfills or be incinerated. Cities and states have set up programs accross the United States where consumers can drop off used electronic devices to be properly disposed of. The best method of disposal is to recycle this equipment. Many people do not understand that the parts in old devices can be reused in new products. There is a popular mantra used by many recylcing advocates, "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle." This slogan has widely been promoted with plastics and glass, but its message is also applicable to the disposal of ewaste. Many electronic stores offer services to help customers bring in old electronics or parts so as to dispose of them safely and properly.
Unfortunately, there is another alternative being used for the removal of ewaste in the world. Much of the ewaste in developing nations is being exported to developing countries. Many developed countries have enacted laws to prevent this from happening, but ewaste is still often being exported. The bulk of the world's ewaste is being shipped to Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan, India, and China, among others. While it seems odd that a country would willingly import another's waste, the waste is imported, sometimes illegally. This practice provides jobs and valuable scraps. Ewaste is a source of valuable metals such as gold, nickel, copper, iron, and silicon. The countries that are receiving this ewaste have lax laws protecting their workers or the environment. Many of the workers are children, or are working countless hours each day. There is also the reality that much of the refuse from electronic devices is hazardous. The dumping of these materials following the harvesting of scrap can lead to contamination of soil or water, damaging an area's environment and potentially their food sources.
The purpose of this webquest was to alert students and make them aware of the problem. Tons and tons of ewaste is dumped each year and the problems continues to grow. The tasks we have assigned are intended to increase awareness of this global situation and encourage students to research not only the problem, but potential solutions. The numbers are mind blowing and awareness is a good way to begin resolving or attending to the problem.
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