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E-Waste Recycling

e-waste-recycling-recyclinginside

E-waste recycling (or electronics waste recycling) is the process of recovering valuable materials, for example, plastics, glass, copper, and iron, from obsolete devices to use in new products. This reduces the need for new production.

Most electronics contain harmful materials such as cadmium, beryllium, mercury, and lead. In the responsible e-waste recycling process, these unhealthy substances are safely removed for human health and the environment.

E-waste recycling can have a positive impact on the environment by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and reducing the need for raw materials. It also can help to recover valuable materials that can be used to make new products. However, improper handling of e-waste can lead to release of toxic chemicals and metals that can harm human health and the environment.

The keys to success in electronic waste management are:

  • Develop eco-design devices where possible/li>
  • Properly collect electronic waste
  • Recover and recycle by safe methods
  • Dispose of e-waste by suitable techniques
  • Forbid the transfer of used electronic devices to developing countries
  • Raise awareness of the impact of e-waste

No single tool is adequate, but they can complement each other to solve this issue.

How-Computers-and-Electronics-Are-Recycled

The management of e-waste is governed by various regulations and laws, such as the Basel Convention and the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. These regulations aim to ensure that e-waste is managed in an environmentally responsible way and to reduce the potential negative impacts of e-waste on human health and the environment.

E-waste management can also be done by certified e-waste recycling companies, They handle the collection, transportation, sorting, disassembly, recycling and proper disposal of e-waste in an environmentally friendly way. This can help to ensure that e-waste is managed in a safe and responsible manner.

The best guide to recycling electronics is to start by finding a certified e-waste recycler.

Industry certification programs have set requirements for safer disposal and recycling of electronic waste. These programs include guidelines that define effective and responsible e-waste management:

  • The R2:2013 Standard – The latest version of R2, the electronics recycling industry’s leading certification
  • The Recycling Industry Operating Standard™ (RIOS™) – The recycling industry’s management system standard for quality, environment, and health & safety (QEH&S)
  • The e-Stewards initiative – A global team of individuals, institutions, businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies upholding a safe, ethical, and globally responsible standard for e-waste recycling and refurbishment. 

E-waste recycling is challenging because discarded electronics are advanced devices manufactured from varying proportions of plastics, metals, and glass.

The specific recycling process varies depending upon materials being recycled by e-waste recyclers and the employed technologies.

  • Collection: E-waste is collected from homes, businesses, and other sources. This can be done through curbside pick-up programs, drop-off centers, or special e-waste collection events.

Electronic Waste Collector and Shredder

  • Sorting: The collected e-waste is sorted by type of device, brand, and condition. This is done to ensure that the e-waste is of a consistent quality and composition.
  • Disassembly: The sorted e-waste is then disassembled to separate the valuable materials from the toxic chemicals. This is done by trained technicians who use specialized tools and equipment.
  • Shredding: The disassembled e-waste is then shredded into small pieces to make it easier to handle and sort.
  • Separation: The shredded e-waste is then separated into different materials, such as metals, plastics, and glass. This is done using a combination of mechanical and manual processes.
  • Recycling: The separated materials are then recycled or repurposed. Metals can be melted and reused, plastics can be recycled into new products, and glass can be crushed and used to make new glass products.

Electronics on a conveyor belt

Treatment and disposal of dangerous materials and wastes – The remaining toxic part includes mercury, lead, and arsenic which need to be disposed of responsibly. These are lethal substances that could contaminate the soil and groundwater to disastrous consequences.

 

  • Exports to developing nations – A primary concern is the illegal export of e-waste to countries with lower environmental standards.
  • Less valuable materials – Although the volume of e-waste increases rapidly, the quality of e-waste is decreasing. Currently, it’s a case of growing disassembly challenges combined with reducing incentives.
  • Controlling chemical exposures – Even in the high-tech formal e-waste recycling centers, challenges remain in assessing and managing chemical exposures regularly found in this industry.
  • Most E-waste goes to landfills and incinerators – More e-waste ends up in our landfills and incinerators than is being recycled, although recycling numbers continue to rise.
  • Re-use – Re-use should be viewed as reactionary to the current trend of devices being disposed of much earlier than necessary and is about optimizing the use phase of devices.

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Articles about E-Waste Recycling

Experts for E-Waste Recycling

Xu Xifeng, the founder of Keson and vice president of Jiangsu Low Carbon Environment Design Institute of China. He has been engaged in solid waste recycling industry for more than 10 years, and has unique insights on solid waste overall solutions and resource recovery and sorting systems. He has visited well-known solid waste treatment companies in the Middle East, Europe, America and other regions, introducing standardized, refined and systematic management concepts of global top enterprises to his enterprises, and transforming advanced technologies and processes into productive forces. Within five years of solid waste sorting technology and waste resources in the field of rapid layout, his products are sold in 17 countries and more than 40 regions.
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Ankit Kalola, the General Manager of Fornnax Technology Pvt. Ltd, who has been an integral part of our team since May 2013, is an expert of shredding equipment and complete recycling solutions. Ankit’s academic excellence shines through his first-class B.Tech degree from Rajasthan Technical University. He possesses a wide range of skills including exceptional communication, Technical Knowledge in Shredding Field, Sales Strategies, Sales planning, Analytical process, CRM, Goal identification, Performance Management and Teamwork. His valuable assistance has propelled our business to new heights of achievement, particularly through the successful introduction of Fornnax’s recycling and shredding solutions in domestic and foreign markets. You can contact Mr. Ankit by phone +91-9033077711 or via email: info@fornnax.com for further questions.
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