This form of waste is anticipated to increase to 52.2million metric tonnes by 2021, according to a recent report from OnRecycle, a mobile recycling comparison site.
In 2016, it was reported that 44.7m metric tonnes of e-waste was generated around the world, and of that just a disappointing 20% was collected and recycled. In fact, the UK alone contributes around 1m tonnes of e-waste every year!
As you can imagine, this e-waste is not good for the planet’s health or human health for that matter.
“One of the key hazards of e-waste is electronic components,” said Cas Paton, MD of OnRecycle, “which often contain toxins, such as lead, cadmium and mercury. For this reason, e-waste must be handled with the utmost care. This includes an appropriate method of recycling, refurbishment or disposal.”
But recycling electronic components comes with its own particular hazards.
One, according to Jo Vann, TC107, Technical Secretary of GE Aviation Systems, is that “recycling, although beneficial, can create plenty of opportunities for counterfeits.”
As a result, manufacturers need to be “more aware and careful”, ensuring that the recycling of components are done in a safe and correct manner to avoid parts being taken and resold as new into the supply chain.
Another, highlighted in a study published in Environmental International by Dr Andrew Turner, suggests that chemicals, like bromine and lead, are finding their way into our food and other everyday products. Why? Because many manufacturers are using recycled electrical equipment as a source of black plastic.
The growing demand for black plastic and the inefficient sorting of end-of-life electrical equipment is causing contaminated material to be introduced into the recyclate.
“Black plastic may be aesthetically pleasing,” said Dr. Turner, “but this study confirms that the recycling of plastic from electronic waste is introducing harmful chemicals into consumer products.”
According to the study, this problem is – in part – due to black plastics being not readily recycled, owning to the low sensitivity of black pigments to near infrared radiation used in conventional plastic sorting facilities.
“There is a need for increased innovation within the recycling industry to ensure harmful substances are eliminated from recycled waste and to increase the recycling of black plastic consumer products,” concluded Dr. Turner.
Despite the risks associated with recycling, the benefits surely outweigh the threats. And it's good to see Government initiatives that are intended to help make our environment less toxic.
The EU, its in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) policy for example, has set a collection rate target for recycled electronic goods to reach 65% by 2019. With Brexit looming, it’s difficult to say whether the UK will get involved with this – and if not, we certainly need to do something more and ensure the methods are safe. I’d rather not have a side of chemicals in my dinner.
