What recycling programs are being implemented to help sustain the growing concern of e-waste in our environment, on a global scale and locally?
Posted by vyf693 on April 9, 2010
Filed under Uncategorized
What recycling programs are being implemented to help sustain the growing concern of e-waste in our environment, on a global scale and locally?
Introduction
Particularly over the last decade, we have seen the rise of digital technology through TVs, mobile phones, laptops, net books, mp3 players, DVD players, blu-ray, DSLRs and the list continues. People are continually upgrading their products to keep up with technological advances. But what happens to all the now-obsolete products? They are binned, discarded, forgotten about, and the individual thinks no more of it. But clearly there is much more to such intricately made products being dumped on the sidewalk.
Reference
- Author unknown, 2009, “Catastrophic e-waste fuels global toxic dump: experts”, Sydney Morning herald, 14 November, page unknown, accessed 24/03/2010, http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/catastrophic-ewaste-fuels-global-toxic-dump-experts-20091114-if37.html
E-waste is swiftly becoming a major concern worldwide, as depicted in this article.
Useful quotes that can be used from this secondary source that highlight this concern include “A ‘catastrophic accumulation’ of millions of tonnes of “e-waste” from computers, cell phones and television sets is fuelling a global pile of hazardous waste” and “Add an increasing demand for electronic gaming, higher definition televisions or smart cars, and the result is a catastrophic accumulation of e-waste, now and into the future”. These quotes can be used to emphasise the importance and need for e-waste recycling on a global scale.
On an International Level …
- PC World, 2008, The dangers of e-waste, accessed 25/03/2019, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJnFFsHDxuw
This video clip is a collaboration of primary, secondary and tertiary sources that outline the dangers of e-waste and emphasize the importance of recycling programs in order to sustain our environment. The company “Green Citizen” is interviewed, and gives a brief breakdown on how difficult it is to recycle e-waste, special devices that their company has developed that are used to help recycle e-waste in China, and other regulatory recycling programs.
- Basel Action Network, 2008, The Digital Dump Official Trailer, accessed 25/03/2010, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0xpRk7MYNg&feature=response_watch
A response to the above video gives a visual example of the effects and dangers of e-waste in developing countries, particularly Africa. It is an interesting primary source that vividly shows how manufacturers are literally dumping their waste for less developed countries to get rid of. It once again emphasises the need for regulated recycling programs in order to sustain our environment globally.
- Mathias, 2010, International Electronics Recycling Conference & Expo (IERCE), San Francisco, ewasteguide, 18 Feb, accessed 25/03/2010, ewasteguide.info
International conferences are being held for electronic manufacturers, electronics recyclers and information technology managers in order to engage in networking activities and learning revolved around the recycling and impacts of e-waste.
This is a tertiary source that can be used as an example of programs that are being put into effect globally to address the concern of e-waste.
- Schluep, 2009, recycling – From e-waste to resources, UNEP & UNU, accessed 25/03/2010, http://www.unep.org.br/admin/publicacoes/texto/EWaste_final.pdf
This secondary source is a report that outlines detailed ways for the recycling of e-waste, including appropriate handling of e-waste, recovering valuable materials and the main action for a recycling chain which follows three steps – collection, storing and dismantling and end-processing of e-waste. This report is extremely valuable in addressing a thoroughly researched action plan and program for e-waste recycling that, with proper funding, can be implemented on a global scale.
- Mcallister, CW, 2006, Systems and methods for deployment and recycling of RFID tags, wireless sensors, and the containers attached thereto, US Patent 032586).
Patents are a primary source that can be used to analyze authorized developments and methods of recycling e-waste, for example, “methods for deploying and/or recycling wireless tags, such as RFID tags and wireless sensors, and the containers they may be attached to” and “Methods are also disclosed for reducing waste and pollution resulting from wireless tags contaminating existing recycled waste streams”. Both are great examples of government legislations taking action in implementing recycling programs that can benefit worldwide.
Within Australia …
- Author unknown, 2010, What’s on in Sydney n.d., accessed 25/03/2010, http://www.whatsoninsydney.com.au/whatson.asp?id=8483)
Another tertiary source that exemplifies programs being implemented for recycling e-waste, but on a local scale, is an event hosted in Sydney recently that allowed local residents a free e-waste disposal.
- Mosman Council, 2010, E waste Recycling Collection, photograph, accessed 26/03/2010, http://www.flickr.com/photos/mosmancouncil/3361174929/
The below pictures are a primary source that exemplifies a recycling program based in Sydney’s own Mosman.
- Armstrong WT, Morris MS, Wilkie G, Schiers J, 2005, A method of recycling mixed streams of e-waste, AU Patent 000848
Further recycling methods of e-waste are being developed within Australia. This patent demonstrates local inventors recognising the problem and achieving a highly successful recycling method that can be implemented within Australia and offshore.
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