Global Warming and E-Waste - What You Should Know

Global warming has been a growing concern for years, and it’s only going to get worse until we start to do something about it. There are many contributing factors to global warming, and as an individual, you don’t always have control over some of them. However, there are plenty of ways in your own life that you can make better choices to protect the environment and prevent global warming. One way that you can help prevent global warming is by recycling your unwanted electronics. Depending on where you live, you might even be legally required to recycle old electronics and could face a fine if you don’t do so. If you look at the devices in your home, it might not seem like that much, but when you add up everyone in the world throwing these devices away, you get millions of tons of e-waste each year.

Here’s what you need to know about global warming and e-waste.

E-Waste Leaks Toxins Into the Soil and Water

E-waste can negatively impact the environment in ways that aren’t necessarily related to global warming as well. In certain conditions, the materials inside our everyday devices can become extremely dangerous and toxic. This can occur when devices are exposed to the elements, which happens if they’re tossed in landfills. When toxins begin to leak from old electronics, they will eventually seep into the ground. Once it’s in the soil, it can affect nearby crops and animals that feed on these crops. As toxins work their way through the soil, they also end up in nearby water supplies. This can be harmful for the local communities that depend on these water sources, and toxins can also easily spread far in water.

Burning Releases Greenhouse Gases Into the Air

It’s not only the soil and water that are affected by e-waste – these toxins also pollute the air. Electronics that end up in landfills are often burned. The fumes this creates causes a significant amount of pollution in the air. These greenhouse gases significantly contribute to global warming by trapping heat and enabling it to leave our atmosphere. In addition to contributing to global warming, this polluted air is dangerous to breathe in. The workers tasked with burning these devices get exposed to these hazardous fumes that can severely impact their health.

You Can Help Stop It

E-waste is a serious problem that impacts everyone. While a lot of work still needs to be done to help stop e-waste from ending up in landfills, you can play an important role in preventing it. By recycling your old electronics responsibly, you can help ensure they end up in the right place and don’t contribute to global warming. This doesn’t require much work on your part, but it can make a huge difference if everyone starts using e-waste recycling services.

ITAD companies can help you recycle old electronics when you’re done with them. At Newtech Recycling, we give you a reliable place to recycle all of your old and unwanted electronics. We can help you with whatever you need, like recycling old photocopiers or any other electronics you have.