Electronic waste

Electronic waste or e-waste is electronics that have been discarded. This includes any electronics e.g. computers, power tools and etc.

E-waste is a concern for every country in the 21st century. Because of Moore's law, the rule that states transistor numbers double every two years, people upgrade computers every 3 years on average. People usually throw away their old laptops, cameras, computers, cell phones and televisions. This creates a large amount of practically useless waste. Most countries have methods to combat e waste and find a use for obsolete technology. Some items are refurbished for use.

Adding up the billions of computer users in the world, over 30 million tons of e-waste is created nearly every year, along with a few billions of tons of other waste.

Electronic Waste Media

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  Defective and obsolete electronic equipment

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  A fragment of a discarded circuit board from a television remote

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  Electronic waste at Agbogbloshie, Ghana

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  An iPhone with a damaged screen

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  Electronic waste is often exported to developing countries.

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  4.5-volt, D, C, AA, AAA, AAAA, A23, 9-volt, CR2032, and LR44 cells are all recyclable in most countries.

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  The E-waste centre of Agbogbloshie, Ghana, where electronic waste is burnt and disassembled with no safety or environmental considerations

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  Sacks of mobile phones in Agbogbloshie, Ghana

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  A pile of discarded TVs and computer monitors

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  Pile of discharged computer keyboards.