E-waste is a problem, what can consumers do about it?

We humans have become habitual consumers of technology and therefore will continue to acquire new electronic devices. This is a reality that we are living in today. Now that we use more than required electronics, we must also consider the repercussions of the e-waste problem.

E-waste (Electronic waste) is any electrical/electronic device that doesn’t serve its purpose anymore as it is broken, obsolete, or non-operable. E-waste problem can have a significant environmental impact over time if left unchecked. We can’t just throw away any electronic gadgets in the trash and call it good. We need to be responsible consumers of technology by being mindful of our electronic devices and learning to properly dispose of the e-waste.

Commonly found in home electronic devices

The e-waste is a byproduct of almost all kinds of unused electronic devices that are commonly found in any household. These electronics can be broadly classified into three categories based on their source of power.

Examples of commonly found in home electronic devices

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Let’s explore how to manage e-waste problem produced by obsolete electronic devices in our homes in each category:-

1.  Conventional battery gadgets

Conventional battery gadgets are powered by single-use batteries and claim to make our lives easy by simplifying our day to day tasks. However, we often purchase them out of want not need. These gadgets have a smaller shelf life and tend to exhaust their batteries when used extensively. Here are some useful tips on managing e-waste produced by obsolete conventional battery gadgets:-

• Purchase wisely: Think about why you are buying these gadgets, does it serve you or can you manage just fine without them.
• Organise for easy access: Arrange these portable gadgets in a way that they are well within your reach. You don’t want to completely forget to use or accidentally buy multiple of the same.
• Store batteries properly: Remove the single-use battery from the gadget when not in use and store them in a cool dry place. Cover the positive terminals of the battery with a protective cap/masking tape. Keep them away from direct sunlight or flammable materials.
• Keep an e-waste box: Adopt this habit of maintaining a box dedicated to dropping your used batteries or any electronic accessories when they reach the end of their life at home. Introduce this concept to everyone at home and get them actively involved. Once the box is full, schedule a pick up from a designated e-waste facility for proper disposal/recycling.
• Get rewarded: E-waste collecting facilities in your locality provide rewards such as a certificate recognizing your participation in e-waste management. SAAHAS in partnership with Environmental Synergies in Development (ENSYDE), is one such NGO implementing the initiative on responsible e-waste collection and awareness within households and institutions in Bangalore, India. If you live in Bangalore, India, you can Dunzo your e-waste to SAAHAS by following the instructions from their official website https://www.be-responsible.in/dunzo-your-e-waste/ and get a certificate in return.

  

2. Rechargeable smart devices

Rechargeable smart devices powered by rechargeable batteries offer advanced features and can perform exceptionally well throughout the day, almost like living organisms. We humans are inseparable from these smart devices, as they behave more like personal assistants who understand our lives better than we do. Here are some useful tips on managing e-waste produced by obsolete smart devices:-

• Make a sustainable purchase: Buying a smart device is an investment for the future so choose quality over quantity. To get the most out of your purchase, take time to think about the purpose of adding this smart device to your life. Make a list of the top three or four important specifications for you and then go shopping. By doing this, you’ll be able to use the device for a long time without compromising its value.
• Prioritise battery care: Taking good care of rechargeable batteries is equally as important as your smart device. Use the charger designed for your rechargeable battery with the specified wattage to ensure it is charged safely and efficiently. Install battery monitoring apps on your smart device to regularly check the battery’s health performance and replace it when necessary.
• Digital declutter: Your smartphone’s memory and performance drain faster if you let junk data pile up over time. Organise the files/apps on your smart devices and regularly delete unwanted data.
• Refrain from hoarding old smart devices: People who tend to hoard old/unused electronics, be aware that unattended smart devices have their batteries susceptible to crystal formation. These crystals may permanently impede the battery’s charge retaining capacity. Opt for repurposing unused smart devices instead.
• Sell unwanted smart devices: e-waste produced from smart devices is far more detrimental as it is loaded with toxins. It is best advised to sell needless smart devices to authorized e-waste collection firms such as Cashify that provide solutions for disposing of electronics past their expiry date.

3. Home appliances

Home appliances rely on electricity from the wall outlets to function. They pamper our lives by reducing the time we spend on our daily chores. We tend to hold high esteem for home appliances as they are an integral part of our family and are sometimes passed on from one generation to another. Here are some useful tips on managing e-waste produced by obsolete home appliances:-

• Verify the source of purchase: Consider buying home appliances from a trusted retailer only. This is to avoid encountering any electrical hazards and unexplained high power consumption bills.
• Keep their catalogues: Look for information in the catalogue regarding the handling of end-of-life home appliances. Dispose of products that have reached the end of their life.
• Extend their lifespan: Clean your home appliances to maintain their hygiene, and perform regular servicing/repair to help them run smoothly over a long time.
• Recycle unwanted home appliances: Obsolete home appliances take up valuable space that could be used for other purposes. It is better to hand over your old home appliances to an e-waste management company such as Zolopik which efficiently recycles or sells scrap electronics.

Future impact of E-waste

Taking a few initiatives at home to tackle our e-waste problem as mentioned in the above section, we become responsible enough to build a sustainable future. If e-waste is not properly disposed of, it can have disastrous consequences on our lives, as outlined below:-

• Overuse of electronics leads to compromised mental health and physical well-being.
• Leaching of toxic chemicals from untreated e-waste landfills to agricultural produce ends up in the food that we consume.
• Improper disposal of e-waste can pollute natural resources and degrade the quality of life.

This post was inspired by https://www.be-responsible.in/

References:

• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/12-ways-to-reduce-and-control-e-waste-for-2022/
• https://www.theartofsimple.net/10-ways-to-recycle-your-technology-and-manage-e-waste/

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Noor Fatimah I.H

Noor Fatimah Iqbal Husain is the Founder of Wiztaqnia. She is an electronic engineer, passionate about creating crisp, easy-to-grasp content on do-it-yourself (DIY) electronic projects, modern technology and programming.

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