(Not a picture of my surplus electronics, via Stock Photography)
I have boxes full of old surplus electronics. I save them for reasons I question all the time. But when I need a power supply, I reach into a tub of them. I do not think I am the only person who does this.
Recently I decided to throw out a bunch of devices and electronic parts I have not touched in years. I have boxes full of old surplus electronics. I save them for reasons I question all the time. (When I need a power supply, I reach into a tub of them. I am not the only person I have met with a similar stock of parts.)
Before I disposed of these parts, I decided to look into the electronic waste issue (E-waste). Of course, it is at an all time high.
● According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), up to 40 million PCs will each "end-of-life management" in the coming few years. (I would rather repurpose them. I use my old Celeron mini-desktop PC to drive a CNC mill now.)
● The EPA also stated that 25 million TVs are taken out of service yearly.
● Up to 70% of all the heavy metals in landfills come from discarded electronics.
● They also states that the U.S. discards 2 million tons (3 billion pounds) of computers, monitors, cell phones, and other electronics on an annual basis. (Which I was about to contribute to)
● The UN Environment Programme stated that the worldwide e-waste is in the range of 50 million tons per year.
Recycling is the only option, but the requirements by law fail to make a substantial dent in the issue.
Illinois has recently passed a new law with stricter requirements for e-waste disposal and recycling. Governor Pat Quinn hopes to make "Illinois a leader in removing electronics from the waste stream," according to Senator Susan Garrett. (Senate Bill 2106)
Manufacturers in Illinois are now required to recycle 40% of their 2010 products sold, by 2012. This will increase the recycles e-waste from 28 million pounds in 2011 to 50 million in 2012. Fines for violation are now $7,000, up from $1,000. And subsequent violations will net the business a fine of $25,000, which is up from $5,000. A better environment through harsher laws. It is the only way.
Although I am not a business producing tons of e-waste, I certainly have accumulated more than my share of surplus. However, I am happy and willing to recycle every last bit.
Cabe
E-waste fun fact: Up to 60 elements can be found in the composition of complex electronics.
