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E-waste threatens the environment and the health of the populations of developing nations around the world – and it’s growing at an alarming rate. Environmental organisations say that these countries’ governments need to take big steps to deal with the problem, but until then everyone can learn more and help out in some way.

What is it?

The term e-waste isn’t clearly defined – it’s used loosely to describe any technological equipment that is no longer being used and, as a result, has been discarded and is polluting the environment. Whether or not the term also includes discarded kitchen equipment, for instance, such as old fridges, is up for debate. Whatever the definition, e-waste is a danger to the environment because of the components that they contain which can become very hazardous if they’re not disposed of properly.

The root of the problem

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The relatively inexpensive gadgets available today mean that people are buying newer models of computers and mobile phones sooner than before, and are able to simply discard older models. Wealthier nations are especially guilty, but it’s developing nations that suffer: not only do these countries produce large amounts of e-waste themselves because of their large populations, but they also receive large amounts of the waste generated by the more developed countries of the world. The problem becomes even worse when it begins to involve processes like ‘backyard recycling’, in which old technological devices are burnt in an effort to get to their valuable components. This, obviously, is very harmful to the environment.

The problem gets worse in developing countries

The levels of technological waste generated are climbing at alarming rates, with reports from developing countries indicating that increases of up to 400 per cent in South Africa and China and 500 per cent in India can be expected between 2007 levels and 2010 levels. That means five times more of a problem that’s already huge, and equates to a growth rate of around 40 billion tonnes per year.

What can be done?

The UN has urged developing countries to set up facilities and systems for the efficient recycling of e-waste products. In this way, the devices will be disposed of safely, and the materials gained from the recycling can be used to manufacture new products, saving on natural resources and the damage caused to the environment in the manufacture of these components. In places such as Bangalore, local collection initiatives have proved very successful in helping to recycle large amounts of e-waste, providing some hope that the rest of the world will be able to follow this good example and reduce environmental damage.

Environmental organisations suggest donating outdated items to needy organisations who can make good use of them, and finding a company to recycle those devices that simply don’t work anymore. With a small effort from everyone, the electronic waste problem can be dealt with effectively, and stopped before it gets entirely out of hand.