E-Waste FAQ

What is e-waste? 
E-waste is electronic waste. It includes a broad and growing range of electronic devices from large household appliances such as hand-held cellular phones, personal stereos, consumer electronics, tape media, hardware and computers.

Why is e-waste a problem? 
E-waste is hazardous, and it is generated rapidly due to the extreme rate of obsolescence.

Why is e-waste hazardous? 
E-waste contains over 1,000 different substances, many of which are toxic, and creates serious pollution upon disposal. These toxic substances include lead, cadmium, mercury, plastics, etc.

Why does e-waste increase rapidly? 
As technology evolves rapidly, the electronics obsolescence rate increases exponentially. This is the reason electronics produce much higher volumes of waste in comparison to other consumer goods.

How much e-waste is there now? 
About 220 million tons of old computers and other tech hardware and tape media are trashed in the United States each year (Environmental Protection Agency, 2001).

Where does e-waste go? 
The majority of e-waste ends up in our landfills. When disposed of in a landfill, e-waste becomes a conglomeration of plastic and steel casings, circuit boards, glass tubes, wires, resistors, capacitors, and other assorted parts and materials. These heavy metals and other hazardous substances can contaminate soil and groundwater.

What can I do? 
Delete and Donate - Most people mistakenly assume that their old media is worthless. The reality is that many schools, community-based organizations and other groups can make good use of your old media. You should delete all personal information from your old media and donate it.

Recycle - If your media is so ancient that it is worthless, don't toss it in the nearest landfill. Find a local waste-management company that will handle used electronics and recycle it.