Facts About Electronic Waste

Facts About Electronic Waste

When thinking about electronic waste, one’s mind may go directly to cell phones, laptops, and computers. However, it is much more than that because it includes anything with a battery or a plug. Most people outside of the electronics recycling industry may be surprised to learn what the biggest e-waste categories are and the current state of this type of waste in the US.

Categories

There are ten different types of electronic waste. The first type is major appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines. The second category is small appliances, including blenders and vacuum cleaners, and the third category is telecommunication and computer appliances, which include telephones, cell phones, and computers. Consumer electronics cover musical instruments, televisions, and audio equipment, while fluorescent lights, incandescent light bulbs, and gas-discharge lamps are part of the lighting devices category. 

The sixth type of e-waste is electronic and electrical tools such as table saws, leaf blowers, and power drills. Even leisure and toys, including sports equipment, electronic toys, and models, are considered e-waste. The eighth category is medical devices, which includes all medical equipment except implants. Monitoring devices make up the ninth category and consist of laboratory equipment, detectors, and thermostats, and the final category is vending machines. With such a large variety of waste that comes with a battery or a plug, it is no wonder that proper disposal can be a challenge.

Disposition

Most American households currently own almost 25 electronic devices, which is not too surprising considering …

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