In today’s digital world, the use of mobile, laptop, computer, TV and electronic goods is increasing rapidly. But a shocking figure has emerged that about of the world’s 78% E-Waste Not Recycled . This situation is not only wasting precious resources worth billions of dollars, but is also posing a serious threat to the environment and human health.
E-waste includes old mobile phones, computers, batteries, printers, TVs, refrigerators and other electronic devices. When these items get spoiled or become old, many people throw them in the garbage. But very few people knew that precious metals like gold, silver, copper, aluminum were present in this equipment.
According to experts, lakhs of tonnes of e-waste is generated every year, but a large part does not reach the recycling system. Due to this reason, precious metals get buried in the ground or get destroyed in wrong way. On one hand, mining is encouraged to extract new resources for industry, while on the other hand, old resources become waste and get wasted.
The matter should not be limited to financial loss only. Lead, mercury, cadmium and other poisonous substances are also found in e-waste. When these items are thrown in the open or thrown into the water, these toxic elements can enter the air, soil and water. This has an adverse effect on human health and increases the risk of respiratory, kidney, nervous system and many serious diseases.
Even today, in many areas of villages and cities, electronic waste is destroyed in an informal manner. In many places, workers are working without safety equipment to extract metal from e-waste. In this process, poisonous smoke is released, which directly affects the health of the workers and the people in the surrounding areas.
Environmental experts believe that if e-waste is recycled properly, not only can pollution be reduced, but resources worth millions of dollars can be reused. This would reduce the pressure on natural resources and also reduce the need for new mining projects.
Today there is a need for the government, private companies and common citizens to work together seriously on e-waste management. Take your old mobile, battery, computer and other electronic items to a certified recycling center. Also, people should be aware about the disadvantages of e-waste and its proper disposal.
78% E-Waste Not Recycled is not just a statistic, but a major environmental challenge of modern society. If the issue is not addressed in time, both pollution and resource shortage could become serious in the coming years.
