Simple ways to minimize E-waste

It’s impossible to imagine a world without cellphones, GPS maps, laptops, and other electronic devices because technology has grown so swiftly in recent decades.

At the same time, the rapidly increasing volume of used electronics being wasted has raised severe concerns among environmental campaigners, and state and local governments. There are currently more mobile phones on the planet than there are people, and the world’s population is 7.5 billion.

Instead of mining for new resources, reusing the precious metals and polymers in old cell phones can save up to 24,000 kWh of energy.

The apparent solution has been recycling, which takes the pieces within electronics that still have worth and gives them access to new products, even if they are broken. However, e-waste recycling rates have remained stubbornly low, which is why proponents of recycling are doing everything they can to raise awareness of the approach’s long-term environmental and economic benefits.

There are actually quite basic methods that we can all help minimise e-waste, which is especially crucial at a time when our ever-increasing reliance on electronics has resulted in e-waste becoming the world’s fastest-growing waste stream.

All it takes is your willingness to avoid either tossing away or keeping your used electronics in your closet or desk drawer.

Simple ways to minimize E-waste

Purchase Fewer Items

Buying products that we don’t need is the most typical source of e-waste. Try to avoid buying new gadgets that the manufacturer will not be able to reuse or dispose of. Choosing recyclable or long-lasting electronic devices is a sustainable way of e-waste management.

Return Them to the Store

A buy-back program is a contract between a consumer and a seller that implies the seller has promised to buy back the product sold at a later date. A few stores provide this service. Before you go out and buy something new, see whether the store would buy your old camera, computer, or other items.

Repair Broken Electronics

It can be tempting to replace a malfunctioning item like old tv with a completely new one, but this increases your e-waste. Another clever technique to cut down on electrical waste is to fix your broken gadgets.

These could include everything from fixing cracked displays to simply getting new covers to refresh the appearance of your gadget.

Repairing broken devices helps you to keep them for longer, avoiding the need to purchase a new item and abandoning the old one.

Sell Electronics You No Longer Need

It’s all too tempting to believe that no one wants your old equipment. They’re folks who would actually pay money for your outdated electronics.

Some individuals acquire these devices because they can’t afford newer ones, and by selling yours at a reasonable price, you’ll be assisting them. Put your old devices up for sale on one of the online platforms.

Donate Old Electronics

Many people give away their outdated equipment to those in need. It not only gives the object a new lease on life, but it also helps you feel better about yourself.

If you opt to donate your old electronic devices when you no longer need them, make sure you wipe any data on them first (such as data on your laptop hard drive).

Organize Your Electronics

It’s no surprise that we forget what we have in our house, given the quantity of electronics we store in drawers and cupboards. Rather than purchasing new equipment, organise your current ones to determine whether you truly need to replace them.

For example, you may require a memory stick but realise that you already possess one after arranging all of your electronics. Rather than buying the same device or charger many times, try to share devices, cords, and connectors with family members.

Recycle and Dispose of E-Waste Properly

E-waste that is improperly handled is becoming increasingly dangerous, especially as the volume of our e-waste grows.

As a result, prominent firms like Apple, OnePlus, Samsung, and others have begun to provide customers with the option of recycling old electronics. You may even receive a monetary reward for recycling your old devices!

The pricey electronic parts within obsolete electronics can be repurposed by recycling them. This could save energy & discard the need for new raw materials or parts to be mined.

Do a Google search for “recycle electronics” and your city or area name to find electronic waste recycling program in your area.

Consider the future

We won’t be able to get rid of e-waste quickly—we’ll have to get rid of it sooner or later—so why not benefit from it now? Don’t let them pile up, use proper waste management technique. Due to rapid technological advancements, electronic products become obsolete every day, and it is recommended to sell any unwanted electronic device to avoid clutter and loss in the future.