Electronic waste — or e-waste as it’s commonly called — is a growing solid waste problem. The ever-increasing volume of electronic products, from computers and cell phones to digital cameras and i-pods, means an ever-increasing volume of waste. So many electronic products are intentionally designed for a short life span that two to three years out of a computer system is a “good deal” these days.
So, what can we do? The following five steps can help:
- Upgrade existing systems.
- Donate or sell usable electronics.
- Recycle old electronics.
- Buy greener technology when possible.
- Encourage electronics manufacturers to take responsibility for e-waste.
More than 54 TONS of electronics were recycled through the District’s program from July 2008 through June 2009.
