Disposing of electrical equipment is not done through the normal waste channels, and these items can’t be put into the rubbish collection bins which are destined for the landfill. Called e-waste, these are appliances and electronic gadgets that have reached the end of their life because they are either obsolete or not required anymore. 

Whether it’s because of old age and high usage, the components may have become worn, making their productivity less effective. As a result, owners may be tempted to upgrade at this point to more efficient gadgets and appliances with more features. 

In most cases it is not economically worthwhile to repair the old one, reducing it to e-waste, so a better option is to buy a new one. This means junk removal and disposal of e-waste are required. 

However, electronic waste can’t be included in the normal rubbish collection routines. However, having a local licensed junk removal company to consult is a help if you don’t know how to dispose of these e-waste items. At Junk Removal Wirral, a respected waste management company operating on the Wirral peninsula, the challenges of disposing of electronic waste are well recognized, which is why we would like to highlight the proper ways to do it. 

Why is there so much e-waste? 

Consumers are often not aware that the appliance that they have bought has a limited lifespan by the design of the manufacturer. This is called planned obsolescence, and it results in shorter-than-expected product use, consequently having to buy a new model. 

Smart technology and aspirant consumer needs are also contributing factors to the increase in e-waste. With astute marketing, consumers are drawn into the features of new appliances, driving their desire to acquire newer more advanced models.

Ever-changing safety standards result in old models becoming non-compliant, which makes them obsolete. Newer electronic appliances and gadgets are expected to abide by these rules, thereby replacing old ones with new ones. 

The software also changes, with newer versions not supporting older gadgets and appliances. This results in several features becoming redundant, and in turn not as functional as before. Together with the cost of repairing being prohibitive or not feasible, owners are required to dispose of the old and invest in the new. 

Lastly, energy. These days energy usage is under the spotlight as we all try and reduce ours. Older appliances are more energy-hungry, which is another convincing reason to invest in something new.

Of course, who wouldn’t want a more modern, good-looking appliance to replace the old one? All these factors help convince owners to dispose of the old and turn them into electronic waste. 

How to treat e-waste when preparing for disposal.

For the homeowner, it is not advised that they attempt to remove any of the hazardous materials before disposal. However, keeping the e-waste safely in a sealed container is advisable. In this way, you’ll help keep the harmful toxins from leaking and damaging the environment. 

Batteries can be removed easily, but tinkering around with circuit boards, and potentially harmful components is ill-advised. This sort of thing should be left to those experienced in handling e-waste and the recycling thereof.

Homeowners are therefore requested to separate their e-waste until the appropriate opportunity comes along to dispose of it correctly. 

How to dispose of e-waste correctly

Let’s consider where and how to find the appropriate way to dispose of e-waste. As we have seen there are two parts involved: Recovery of harmful materials and recycling activities. 

• When buying new, ask the manufacturer to take back the old. This is common amongst environmentally responsible manufacturers who care about what happens to their old machines, appliances, and gadgets and they should be supported accordingly. This may also apply to certain retailers so do your research before you buy. 
• Registered e-waste recyclers or drop-off points. These outlets are authorized to take back e-waste and deal with old electronic devices and dispose of them according to good practice.
• Community recycling programs that take e-waste. Those that do this are sure to have an “arrangement” with a recognized e-waste recycler. This is a way to support a community initiative too. 
• Giving or recouping some cash by selling to a person who can use it. There are those of us that like to DIY on electronics and are prepared to fix anything that may need repair. Either way, whether you are donating or selling, someone else also benefits from the transaction. 

Why is e-waste harmful?

Should any of the damaging materials in e-waste leak into the environment, they are likely to stay there for an extended period. If you think that landfill disposal is ok, please think again. Here are some of the potentially harmful elements in e-waste: 

• Lead is found in the cathode ray tubes in monitors and older electronics. This element has the potential to cause nerve damage and stunt the growth of smaller children. 
• Cadmium is another dangerous element. It is found in batteries, which should always be recycled correctly to avoid it leaching into soil and water. Cadmium is known to affect the respiratory system and kidneys in humans. 
• Mercury, which is also found in monitors and lamps, is also a danger to health, which is why these electronics should be recycled appropriately. 
• Beryllium, which is in older electronic equipment is also a danger to health, mostly the lungs, if inhaled.
• Arsenic is a danger as it is to be found in CRT glass and semiconductors on older appliances. Arsenic as we know is poisonous and has severe implications if ingested. 
• Flame retardants which are present in plastics are also a potential threat to the environment. 

Now that you have realized that many of the above hazardous substances exist in old e-waste, you are forearmed. We are sure that you will be convinced to do the right thing when it comes to the disposal of e-waste. 

Work With Your Local Junk Removal Specialist for e-waste disposal

Junk Removal Wirral will help you with your e-waste disposal. If there are any remaining questions in your mind about what to do, let us advise you accordingly. 

Our team works with certified recyclers in your area. If there is any doubt about how to isolate and encapsulate your e-waste before disposal let us know. 

Proper recycling is the only way forward. Don’t incineration or landfill, these are out of the question. 

When you need us for e-waste disposal or any type of junk, rubbish collection and removal, call us on 0151 808 0407. 

We will be glad to hear from you.

Email: enquiries@junkremovalwirral.co.uk

www.junkremovalwirral.co.uk