E-Waste Facts & Statistics

E-Waste Stats

From business to consumer electronics the industry is constantly changing, but what happens to your E-Waste when you “upgrade?”

Here are some statistics:

• In 2014 the United States generated roughly 11.7 million tons of e-waste. By the end of 2018, that number is expected to increase by 49.8 million tons. (source)
• Currently, only 15%-20% of e-waste is recycled (source)
• E-Waste comprises at least 70% of the world’s overall toxic waste, is properly recycled the least out of all other waste streams and has the most adverse effects on our planet. (source)

Electronics Recycling R2 Certified

Businesses and consumers alike need to upgrade their devices for a verity of reasons, and this is not the primary concern for recyclers. What’s important is where you decide to send your old equipment and devices. In fact, where electronic components are ending up is the issue, so much so, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly recommends to use an R2 certified recycler when disposing of e-waste (source). Here are a few benefits of using an R2 certified electronics recycler:

• The benefits provided by R2 recycling include the reduction in the impacts of improper recycling to the environment and human health, increased access to reusable and refurbished equipment to the needy, and reduction in energy consumption and other environmental problems associated with the manufacturing of the devices (source).
• R2 certification is not only concerned with the destruction of data, but also with measures to safeguard the human health and the environment (source).

Non-Certified Recyclers Practices

For Electronics Recycling, R2 certification is very important. Here is what could happen if you work with a non-certified electronics recycler.

Sustainable Practices

With Global E-Waste expected to hit 49.8 billion tons by 2018, we need to find more sustainable electronics recycling methods. Japan has pledged to recover up to eight tons of metals from obsolete smartphones and other electronic gadgets, which will be converted in to 5,000 gold, silver, and bronze metals ahead of the 2020 Olympic games. (source) This is known as the Tokyo Metal Project.

Electronics Recycling Tampa

While Tampa is hardly on the same global stage as Japan, we can make a difference locally non-the-less. If you or your business has electronics to recycle please contact us to schedule a pickup.