E-waste is a term for all discarded electronics, including broken, obsolete and unwanted items.  Rapid technological innovation makes e-waste one of the fastest growing sources of trash in the world; fifty million tons get thrown out each year.  These electronics are also responsible for the majority of heavy metals found in landfills, such as lead, mercury, beryllium and cadmium.  Even recycling e-waste poses significant problems, given that the heavy metals are toxic, PVC coatings are carcinogenic, and flame-retardant plastics leach massive amounts of halogens into the environment.  When electronics are recycled, they are often sent to developing countries without strict environmental laws, which only exacerbates the problem.

While this appears to be a grim situation, there are many steps you can take toward more sustainable ownership of electronics.  Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to ensure the longevity of your electronics.  This encompasses everything from being conscientious about maintaining your laptop’s battery life to using your cell phone until it no longer functions, rather than just waiting for the newest model.  Before purchasing a new electronic item, consider the environmental impact to ensure that it is really a necessary item.  When something does reach the end of its usability, consult the EPA’s website to find proper e-waste disposal locations in your area.  Another alternative is to visit a site like You Renew, which not only recycles the waste appropriately, it also pays you for whatever you send in.