Cracked phones. Broken computers. Old TVs. All that electronic waste is causing big problems for the planet—and for us. But you can help!
Illustrations by Mora Vieytes
59 Million Tons
approximate amount of e-waste created globally every year
Less Than 25%
percentage of e-waste in the U.S. that gets recycled
$57 Billion
value of raw materials such as gold and silver that could be extracted from improperly discarded electronics around the world each year
The Problem
E-waste is often dumped into landfills or burned.
This can contaminate the air, soil, and groundwater with hazardous toxins, such as lead and mercury.
These toxins can find their way into people, livestock, crops, and more—leading to serious illnesses in humans and animals.
5 Ways You Can Help
1. Extend the life of your electronics. Follow care instructions. If something breaks, take it to a repair shop.
2. Recycle broken gadgets and parts. That way, any valuable materials they contain can be extracted and reused. Visit Earth911.com to find a nearby store or other site that will accept your electronics for recycling.
3. Shop wisely. Buy new devices when yours break beyond repair, rather than when new models are released.
4. Give away working devices. Got one you don’t use? Don’t toss it—donate it! You could give it to a local charity like Goodwill or visit DonationTown.org to find an organization that will collect it.
5. Spread the word. Let others know how to dispose of electronics responsibly—and that they should never go in the trash.
Sources: The Global E-Waste Statistics Partnership, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The WEEE Forum, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), World Health Organization, Statista, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Writing Prompt
Imagine you are holding an e-waste collection drive. Make a poster, 30-second commercial, or social media post about the drive. Include an explanation of why recycling e-waste is important.
This article was originally published in the May 2023 issue.
