Toxic Waste
What is Toxic Waste?
Toxic waste is defined as any chemical waste product capable of causing death, illness, or injury. Substances that qualify as toxic waste can be found in many household appliances and electronic devices, and may also be produced during the manufacturing process.
Many people don’t realize that much of the technology they use every day contains functional components that are considered toxic waste when thrown away. This includes everything from computers, printers, and mobile phones to computers, printers, and medical and lab equipment.
When disposing of electronics in the home or office, it’s important to consider the potential impacts of toxic waste on the environment and human health. While carelessly discarding these items into landfills can lead to contamination of soil, air, and water supplies, conforming to a proper e-waste recycling process can help cut down on the negative consequences of toxic waste.
The Effects of Toxic Waste on the Environment
There are many ways that toxic waste from old electronics can enter the environment. When devices are burned and dismantled in the open air, hazardous substances can be released into the atmosphere and travel for many miles on currents of wind. This allows toxic waste to quickly spread and do damage to areas far from the original dumpsite.
As devices decompose over time, the heavy metals contained within will naturally sink into the earth, contaminating the soil. During rainstorms, toxic waste can seep into water sources, negatively impacting marine life and polluting drinking water. Animals who drink or eat contaminated water or vegetation can then spread the contamination to humans who come in contact with them.
The Effects of Toxic Waste on Human Health
According to the World Health Organization, improperly discarded e-waste can lead individuals to come in contact with as many as 1,000 different harmful substances, including lead, mercury, nickel, brominated flame retardants, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Exposure to toxic waste from old electronics can have a wide range of adverse health effects, including the development of various types of cancer and respiratory problems, increased miscarriage rates, neurological conditions, diminished cognitive capacity, and more.
E-Waste Recycling Reduces Toxic Waste
E-waste recycling is a process that involves using specialized machinery to dismantle and sort unwanted electronics devices into smaller parts that can be either safely disposed of or reintroduced into the manufacturing process. In addition to reducing pollution, e-waste recycling provides other benefits, such as increasing the sustainability of modern technology and stimulating job creation.
Businesses that make heavy use of office equipment and similar devices, including computers, printers, fax machines, and the like, have a particular need for responsible, affordable, and effective e-waste recycling solutions.
Newtech Recycling exists to provide these very solutions. You can rest assured that your unwanted electronics will be properly handled in our certified, state-of-the-art facilities. We also offer pick-up services, so you can schedule an appointment and sit back while we take the e-waste off your hands.
Contact Newtech Recycling today to do your part in the fight against deadly toxic waste.