Why Do We Need a Recycling Program?

Current advances in technology and electronics, consumer demand for new products and a growing population have accelerated the amount of electronics waste being sent to the landfills all over the United States.

Improved collection and management of electronic waste (E-Waste) will enhance the recovery of reusable resources, protect the environment and save valuable landfill space. Electronic products contain hazardous and toxic substances that can cause serious environmental and health risks through potential soil and groundwater contamination.

Electronic products contain varying amounts of hazardous substances that will contribute to environmental and health risks if improperly managed. These are some of the hazardous materials:

• Lead - Cathode Ray Tubes or "picture tubes", used in most existing computer monitors and televisions, are among the largest sources of lead in municipal landfills. A typical computer CRT contains approximately four pounds of lead. In landfills, lead has the potential to leach into underground water systems, accumulate in the environment and can cause harmful effects on plants and animals.
• Mercury - Used to backlight the display screens of LCD panels and laptop computers, mercury is volatile and bio-accumulates in the environment. It is also found in electronic switches and circuit boards.
• Cadmium - Found in batteries used in laptop computers, cadmium is toxic to freshwater fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants. It is most likely to settle in bottom sediments and affect bottom-dwelling aquatic life.
• PVC Plastics - Due to their flame retardant and insulating properties, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics are commonly used in electronics cabling, wiring and housing. Burning PVC plastics produces dioxins and furans.

These components are not hazardous to the consumer using the electronic products, it is only when the electronics are at their end-of-life that the hazardous components become a concern. The metals, glass and plastic found in electronics can be separated, recycled and made into other useful products, including the next generation of electronics.

Management of this waste stream is a growing challenge for businesses, residents and communities. Electronic Solution Services (ESS) has come up with various methods to tackle these problems. Our goal is to utilize our knowledge and expertise to refurbish, recycle and reuse outdated electronics to better serve our communities, environment and future generations.