Electronic Waste, or E-waste, is a term for electronic products that have become unwanted, non-working or obsolete, and have essentially reached the end of their useful life. Because technology advances at such a high rate, many electronic devices become “trash” after a few short years of use. In fact, whole categories of old electronic items contribute to e-waste such as VCRs being replaced by DVD players, and DVD players being replaced by Blu-ray players. E-waste is created from anything electronic: computers, TVs, monitors, cell phones, PDAs, VCR's, CD players, fax machines, printers, etc.
Environmental Effects
Surface water contamination:
When waste ends up in water bodies the chemical composition of the water is negatively impacted. This is referred to as water pollution. This will affect all ecosystems existing in the water. It can also cause harm to animals that drink from such polluted water.
Soil contamination:
Hazardous chemicals (contaminants) from devices can harm plants when they absorb the contamination through their roots. If humans eat plants and animals that have been in contact with such polluted soils, there can be negative impact on their health.
Economic Effects
Municipal well being:
Everyone wants to visit and dwell in a clean, fresh and healthy environment. An environment consisting of poor sanitation, repulsive fumes and waste matter will not attract investors, tourists or couples thinking about starting a life together. Such places tend to have poor living standards.
Recycling revenue:
Cities that do not invest in recycling and proper waste control miss out on revenue. They also miss out on job opportunities that come from recycling, composting and businesses that work with them.