In a world that is more environmentally conscious than ever, it’s important that we’re looking at every aspect of the waste we generate and think about how it can be responsibly and safely disposed of, whilst also being eco-friendly. The easiest way to do this is to recycle, but did you know that recycling stretches far beyond the plastic tubs and cardboard boxes you put in your kerbside recycling bin? Electronic equipment can also be recycled, but how and why should we be going about it? In this article, we’ll be taking you through what e-waste is, why it’s important to recycle it and how it can be done effectively.

What is electronic waste (WEEE)?

Electronic waste, also known as e-waste (WEEE), encompasses any electronic item, from old mobile phones to computers and household appliances. Electronic waste can be difficult to responsibly dispose of, mainly because it often contains a mix of valuable, toxic and hazardous materials that must be specially handled and recycled. Failure to do so can result in prosecution and hefty fines.

This is mainly because of the effect the toxic components have on the environment and wildlife, which is why it needs to be dealt with in a safe manner. Here at Willshee’s, we are proud to responsibly manage and dispose of WEEE, giving you peace of mind that it will be dealt with safely, in line with regulations. Look to Willshee’s for careful and specialist hazardous waste removal if you have electronic waste to dispose of.

Why is it important to recycle electronic waste?

You might be wondering why e-waste can’t go in your general bin, or be sent to landfill? Why should you be doing your best to make sure every element of it is recycled? Here’s a list of reasons why recycling electronic waste is imperative, in an age where we need to be more kind to the environment, the wildlife and our own safety.

Electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, which needs to be slowed down

According to the World Health Organisation, electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams in the world. Therefore, more needs to be done to try and slow these numbers down. The best way to tackle such a problem? Recycling as much e-waste as possible is the answer here, and making sure it falls into the right hands – a responsible waste management company you can trust, such as Willshee’s.

Electronic waste contains toxic chemicals

Electronic devices contain chemicals and substances which are toxic to wildlife and human health. These hazardous materials need to be dealt with responsibly. This is to prevent damage being done to our ecosystems, our health or the planet as a whole. Mercury and lead are just two of the toxic materials found in electronic waste, which need to be disposed of properly and in line with regulations. This is just another reason why electronic equipment needs to be recycled by a competent and licensed waste management company, like us here at Willshee’s.

Electronic waste contains recyclable materials, so why not recycle them?

By throwing an entire electronic device in landfill, you’re throwing away recyclable materials as well, which is a waste. Why send recyclable waste materials to landfill if they can be recycled in a way that is responsible and eco-friendly? When you send electronic waste to be recycled, it will be stripped apart, and components will be removed. They’re then separated into recyclables and non-recyclables. Anything hazardous will be handled accordingly, and anything recyclable will be, you guessed it, recycled.

Recycling electronic waste protects the Earth’s natural resources

It’s not uncommon for electronic devices to contain precious metals. But harvesting those precious metals can be incredibly harmful to the environment. They’re often mined from the Earth, but these are the materials that we need to conserve. By recycling your waste electronics, you’re helping to protect the planet as you’re giving something back. The materials derived from recycled products can be used in place of new, mined materials from the Earth.

It keeps waste out of landfill sites

Like when you recycle any waste item or material, you’re keeping that waste material out of landfill. Landfilled waste is extremely harmful to the planet. We might not see the effects of that tomorrow, but we will years from now. Recycling as much as possible saves landfill space, as well as helping to build new electronic items. Even laptops can be recycled and refurbished into brand-new machines.

Recycling electronic waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions

When anything is sent to landfill, it emits gases into the atmosphere. This is especially the case with electronic devices, mainly because they contain toxic chemicals and components. By keeping waste out of landfill sites, you’re also reducing any greenhouse gases that could be emitted as a result. As well as this, greenhouse gases can be produced during the production of new devices, so by recycling, you’re also preventing new items and components from being manufactured.

How to recycle e-waste

Recycling e-waste is simpler than you might think. Aside from taking it to your local waste recycling centre, many waste management companies will deal with it for you in a safe, responsible and legal manner, such as us here at Willshee’s. If you have e-waste to get rid of, we’ll be on hand to deliver an exceptional e-waste management service that you can always count on.

Willshee’s is a dedicated waste management company with a wealth of experience and knowledge behind us. We are pleased to provide domestic and commercial customers with skip hire, grab hire, hazardous waste removal and more. If you would like further information about how we can help you to responsibly dispose of your waste, with an aim to recycle 100% of the waste we collect, then get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.

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