Dumping E-Waste: Where Is Your E-Waste Going?

The technology industry produces a continuous array of innovative electronics every day often without taking responsibility for the bi-products of its waste when a product has run its course. Computers, cell phones, fax machines, printers and other electronic devices are commonly made up of toxic materials that can be released through the air and absorbed through the skin when broken down part by part. North Americans consume massive amounts of electronics per year, many of which we then dump into domestic waste disposal sites and/or unregulated E-waste recycling plants. E-waste recycling if one way of disposing of our electronics, although many of our electronic products are shipped to countries overseas by these "electronic recycling depots" where adults and children break our electronics down in the recycling process releasing toxic chemicals such as asbestos. These chemicals are causing evident diseases such as various cancers and birth defects, and are also polluting the ground water. Some companies are now beginning to produce electronics that can be safely recycled, although many popular name brand electronics continue to be made with toxic materials! What can you do?

Steps That You Can Take To Ensure Your Electronics Are Recycled Safely:

1. Purchase electronics from an environmentally accountable company that produces electronics that are made up of ecologically safe materials that can be recycled easily and without causing harm to others.

Companies That Are Up For The Challenge By Cutting Out Toxins And Producing Environmentally Safe Electronics:

Guide To Greener Electronics

2. Investigate your E-waste disposal site: Ask questions about how these products are recycled and where your used electronics end up in the process.

3. Check with a local environmental group or technology organization for information on a reputable E-waste recycling depot in your area.

Here's one in Vancouver BC Canada:

FreeGeekVancouver

FreeGeekKingston (Ontario, Canada)

U.S.A.:

Basel Action Network (BAN)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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