E-waste

Effectively managing the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) is more important than ever before. While e-waste makes up only around 2% of landfill, it contributes a staggering 70% of the toxic waste entering the environment. There is also a shortage of the rare earth metals that go into our electronic devices, so recycling these is increasingly important.

This guide outlines an approach to being more environmentally friendly by minimising e-waste and disposing of electronic devices and hazardous materials in a responsible manner.

Minimising e-waste before you buy new

Where possible, prefer to buy second hand or refurbished rather than new. This helps to reduce the overall amount of e-waste produced globally. Also, consider the possibility of upgrading or repairing your existing device before getting rid of it.

For example, many laptops start to show signs of age because of a battery that's run its course, or they get slow because their data storage is running low on space. See if you can get the battery replaced, clear some storage space, replace a broken screen – you may be surprised to find that your laptop still has life in it.

If you are looking to buy new, look for items that are made to be repairable and recycled. There’s a growing movement around “right to repair” and repair cafes. Consider some of the following brands for your next purchase:

Avoid buying items that use the following materials that are virtually impossible to recycle:

One of our main suppliers of electronic devices is Apple, who are one example of an electronics company working hard to source materials responsibly and be carbon neutral. Read more at Apple and the Environment and Apple and Supplier Responsibility.

Also, check out The Restart Project, a social enterprise working to fix our relationship with electronics and pushing for Right to Repair legislation.

Minimising e-waste when a device is no longer useful

Here are a few options to consider when an electronic device you own is no longer useful to you:

  1. Consider selling on devices that still have some use. You never know what other people might find useful.
  2. See if you can donate the device to a local repair and reconditioning initiative. For example, in North Somerset the Nerd Herd are a group of volunteers who take donated computer equipment to help their local community with IT support and subsidised refurbished equipment.
  3. Check if the manufacturer offers a trade in or a take-back recycling service. For example, Apple's Trade In will offer you credit towards a new purchase or they'll recycle it for free.
  4. Check the Recycle Your Electricals website for your nearest recycling points. Often, your local authority recycling centre will recycle electricals.

Responsible disposal

E-waste disposal symbol

Many countries have laws and regulations covering the safe and responsible disposal of electronic products. If you see this symbol on a device, particularly on batteries, then is must be disposed of separately from household waste.

When your device reaches the end of its useful life, take it to a collection point designated by your local authority. The separate collection and recycling of e-waste helps to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment.

For example, North Somerset Council collect small electricals with kerbside recycling, and take the following e-waste at North Somerset recycling centres:

They're even transparent about where recycling from North Somerset ends up.

Most types of domestic batteries can be recycled at many supermarkets, while others may need to be taken to a waste recycling facility.

Resources

For more information, take a look at these: