Electronic waste

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

E-waste is a concern for every country in the 21st century. Over time, people throw away their old devices, either due to their technology breaking down and becoming unusable, or due to advances in technology causing people to buy new. This creates a large amount of e-waste, some of which can still be used and others that are unusable. Some countries have e-waste recycling companies and e-waste recycling programs to ensure proper disposal of electronic devices. Due to the way electronics are made, there are some parts that can be reused if disposed of properly. However, many people do not recycle their electronics properly, and toxic substances from those electronics can enter the environment when not disposed of correctly.

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

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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  A smartphone with a cracked 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.