From computers to music devices, the United States is a global leader in designing and developing new and improved electronic technologies. With all this innovation, however, comes the increasingly difficult challenge of shielding citizens and the environment from possible harmful effects of poor recovery. We need to recycle these products.
In terms of bulk mass, an estimated 50 million tons of electronics waste is produced each year. According to a report by the United Nations Environmental Program, the amount of ewaste produced could rise by as much as 500 percent over the next decade in some countries, such as India and China where population growth necessitates technology consumption.
Domestically, the United States now dumps between 300 million and 400 million electronic items per year. Less than 20 percent of such e-waste actually is recycled successfully, a problem that is exacerbated by the fact that a finite number of landfills cannot possibly accommodate a seemingly endless flow of unwanted devices.
Certain components of some electronic products contain materials that render them extremely hazardous, and may cause serious health and pollution problems. Certain components of household electronics may contain contaminants such as lead, cadmium, beryllium, and brominated flame retardants that can cause memory loss, nervous system impairment, and even death.
In order to effectively combat this problem, you can do your own part by dropping off old, unused, or obsolete electronics at Naperville’s Electronics Recycling Center, 180 Fort Hill Dr. Residents can drop off electronics from 8AM to 4PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Thanks for bringing awareness to your friends and family!
For more information, visit http://www.naperville.il.us/electronicsrecycle.aspx on the City of Naperville’s website.
