Electronics Manufacturers and Recycling

One of the biggest challenges of the green revolution is trying to figure out how to reuse or recycle electronics. Most electronics use highly toxic chemicals to store energy. When thrown out with the trash, these toxins leak into the soil and contaminate the earth and water sources. This enormous issue, called e-waste, has been one of the obstacles standing in the way of recycling and caring for the earth.

People don’t realize that common, everyday electronics like cell phones, plasma TVs and printers contain harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury and arsenic. These chemicals can and have made their way back into food sources, causing sickness, and in rare cases, death in wildlife and humans.

Great strides have been made to encourage consumers to recycle, especially in the automobile industry, by giving cash incentives to return a used car battery. Some office stores give a small cash incentive for returning used ink cartages, and others have made it easy to recycle your old cell phone.

One way the issue has been addressed is by recycling centers taking all forms of electronics. In the past, many recycling centers were very picky when it came to the types of devices they would take, but many centers around the country now have an open policy of accepting electronics.

The other approach to solving this complex issue is having manufacturers take responsibility in making products that are more recyclable. Until recently, TV companies have been horrible at encouraging recycling of their products. Sony was the first company to offer a national take-back program, followed by LG and Samsung. These companies will gladly take back your old, unwanted TVs to reduce waste in landfills.

Many companies don’t want to be bothered with the enormous amount of waste they would potentially receive if they initiated a take-back program. Some computer companies will take back old computers — some charge a fee, and others do not. Check with your particular brand to see the specifications and requirements.

Cell phone companies seem to be supportive of recycling, but make sure to check with each carrier to learn the various restrictions. The issue is that most people switch out their phone every two years, leaving a lot of cell phones to recycle. Many electronic stores such as Best Buy will take used cell phones, but these initiatives are the undertaking of the store, not the manufacturer.

The solution lies in the hands of the consumer. As each individual personally raises his or her voice, the manufacturers will begin to respond to the requests and demands. Calling or emailing the customer service department of the various electronic giants will spur on the cause of eliminating e-waste from landfills. Take matters into your own hands and visit your local recycling facility with all your electronics. If the manufactures don’t want your used e-waste, your local recycling facility will.