why recycle?
It is estimated that 75% of all obsolete electronics are currently being stored or warehoused because most users have no idea how to safely dispose of these materials. Nevertheless, e-waste is currently the fastest growing category in the municipal solid waste stream, according to the EPA.
In 2005 the United States generated 2.63 million tons of electronic waste. Only 330,000 tons, or 12.5% was recovered for recycling, leaving 2,300,000 tons for landfills.
Recycling as a whole is on the rise, yet many people have not discovered the value of recycling electronics. Fears about data security cause many consumers, particularly businesses and government agencies, to stockpile their electronics instead of recycling, redeploying or donating these assets.
Technology, such as secure data wiping, addresses data security fears while allowing the value of recycling to be realized. For example, one metric ton of electronic scrap yields more gold than 17 tons of gold ore.
LC Industries provides an environmentally sound solution that ensures data security and proper waste management procedures. In addition to returning core elements to the resource stream, LC Industries offers a suite of services, which may be customized based on needs and requirements, including data wiping, hardware testing and logistical support.
*Did you know?* |
| - In 2003 it was estimated that 133,000 PCs were discarded by U.S. homes and businesses each day! |
| - 130 million cell phones are “retired” each year. |
| - Only 12.5% of disposed e-waste is recycled. |
| - Americans bought 2.5 million televisions just for this year’s (2007) Super Bowl. |
| - Over one billion cell phones were sold world wide in 2006. |
| - E-waste contains toxic substances including lead, mercury, cadium, lithium and PVC plastics. |
| - “68% of consumers stockpile used or unwanted computer equipment in their homes.” –HP Fact Sheet, Earth Day 2005 |
**The U.S. Government disposes of approximately 10,000 computers every week. A significant number of these computers are stored in storage closets, warehouses, and landfills, or are shipped overseas where environmental standards are generally lower. If mishandled, toxic chemicals like lead mercury, chromium, cadmium, and beryllium can be released into the environment. This complex waste stream poses challenging management issues and potential liability concerns for federal facilities. Reusing, recycling, and properly disposing of electronic waste can keep tons of pollutants out of landfills and the environment.
