Some of the discarded electronic devices contained mercury and Earth metals coveted by tech industry manufacturershave warned that waste from electronics is piling up worldwide while recycling rates remain low and are likely to fall even further.
A social enterprise in Los Angeles is trying to combat two problems with its recycling center: low recycling rates for electronic waste and high unemployment rates for formerly incarcerated individuals and those previously involved in gangs. “The latest research shows that the global challenge posed by e-waste is only going to grow,” said Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, head of the ITU telecommunication development bureau. “With less than half of the world implementing and enforcing approaches to manage the problem, this raises the alarm for sound regulations to boost collection and recycling.”
You want to be a responsible, eco-friendly gamer. So what do you do when you're ready to get rid of an old game, console or controller? NBCLX's Fernando Hurtado tells you what you can recycle and what is destined for the landfill. “We take inventory of the items," said Catherine Wasolia, WEEE's chief operating officer, to check for data on submitted devices and wipe them clean. Then they test each to assess if"it can be reused or repurposed.”“When you have all this e-waste — either in the dumpsites or mercilessly deposited anywhere else — it could have major effects on the soil," Masila said.