What is electronic waste?
Electronic waste refers to discarded devices that operate through electrical circuits and/or an electromagnetic field. This type of waste consists of several materials such as metal and various conductors.
What does electronic waste include?
Dangerous materials: Many electronic devices in daily use in homes and offices in Israel contain dangerous materials.
Precious metals: Electronic waste includes different components of great economic value, such as precious metals in printed circuit boards.
What are the environmental implications?
Currently in Israel, there is no separation of electronic devices after their use. The electronic waste, that includes dangerous materials, is collected together with domestic waste in waste disposal sites, is then compressed, broken and disintegrated, with severe environmental and health implications.
Heavy metals, such as quicksilver, cadmium and lead, may be emitted into the environment and cause contamination of soil and underground water.
According to a study performed in the United States, electronic waste constitutes up to 70% of toxic content of domestic waste.
What is the Urgency?
The extent of environmental damage caused by electronic waste, as well as the growth rate of this type of waste, that is three times higher than the growth rate of regular domestic waste, necessitate urgent attention in addressing the issue of handing electronic waste.
Nations of the European Union have acknowledged this long ago, and determined that dealing with this waste is urgent and immediate.
The European Directive (WEEE) sets clear goals for recycling and returning such devices, and places the responsibility first and foremost with the producers of electronic devices.
In Israel the situation calls for immediate change and attention. It is necessary to act in order to address handling of waste through legislation. The European model should be adopted, and the responsibility placed on manufacturers, through cooperation with the local authorities and retailers in the municipal collection infrastructure.
What are the advantages of recycling electronic waste?
Recycling electronic waste has clear environmental advantages.
The prevention of environmental hazards, reduction of dumping, saving energy through the recycling process, and creating additional positions in the work force.
