Social Mission

Reduce e-waste in the world

Electronic waste or e-waste

The United Nations estimated the amount of worldwide electronic waste discarded each year to be 50 million metric tons. According to a report by UNEP titled, "Recycling – from E-Waste to Resources," the amount of e-waste being produced – including mobile phones and computers – could rise by as much as 500 percent over the next decade in some countries. The United States is the world leader in producing electronic waste, tossing away about 3 million tons each year. China already produces about 2.3 million tons domestically, second only to the United States.

Exposure to e-waste can cause serious health problems to children. Children's exposure to developmental neurotoxins contained in e-waste such as lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and PBDEs can lead to a higher risk of lower IQ, impaired cognitive function, and other adverse effects. In certain age groups, a decreased lung function of children in e-waste recycling sites has been found. Some studies also found associations between children's e-waste exposure and impaired coagulation, hearing loss, and decreased vaccine antibody tilters in e-waste recycling area.

Why

Saves energy

Recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the electricity used by more than 3,500 US homes in a year

Environmental impact

For every million cell phones we recycle, 35 thousand pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered.

Children

Children's exposure to developmental neurotoxins containing in e-waste such as lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and PBDEs can lead to a higher risk of lower IQ, impaired cognitive function, and other adverse effects.

How

Certification

Demonstrated through audits and other means that we continually meet specific high environmental standards and safely manage used electronics.

Computer recycling

TVs, monitors, mobile phones and computers are typically tested for reuse and repaired. If broken, they may be disassembled for parts still having high value

Support

Nineteen states have passed laws requiring the recycling of old electronics, which contain both precious metals and toxic pollutants and are piling up in garages and closets - or worse, getting dumped overseas. Thirteen other states are considering laws.

The fact that U.S. electronic waste is often exported to be scrapped by children under unsafe conditions in developing nations is a disgrace.Rep. Gene Green (D-TX), the Chairman of the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee