The Cost of Recycling E-Waste is becoming a Problem

Starting July 1st, dump trucks can drop old CRT TVs and other electronic devices into West Virginia’s landfills because the state overturned a bill that banned throwing away electronic waste. A recent article in NBC News expresses how old TVs and other electronics are creating a problem for recycling programs across the United States. The problem emerged because companies used to be able to recycle televisions for free but now they are being charged to send them somewhere else. Many companies can’t afford these charges and have to stop their recycling programs.

Why is it important to recycle old TVs?

Many electronic devices contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, beryllium and cadmium. When these devices are not disposed of properly, they become hazardous to our health and the environment especially if they leach out of a landfill. If e-waste does not get recycled, it will continue to cause harm to ourselves and the environment.

Why Recycling E-waste Got Expensive?

Many old TVs used to contain about 6 lbs of lead. This lead could be melted down to make new cathode ray tubes (CRT) for TVs. Now many televisions use LED and plasma which doesn’t contain lead. This created a weak demand for lead filled glass used in TVs.

Other materials like gold and copper that are used in TVs have had a decline in prices which makes stripping old sets unprofitable. When the prices used to be higher, companies were more willing to recycle the old televisions. Companies are finding it easier to throw away e-waste into a landfill because of the increased cost of recycling. It is approximately $40 a pound to process a ton of trash and $360 a pound for electronic waste. Many companies can’t afford this cost of recycling.

What Should Be Done?

It is important to teach people the importance of properly recycling their electronics instead of dumping them even if it cost more. States should also provide financial assistance to the recycling companies to provide a cheaper and easier way to recycle e-waste. Manufacturers should also be more involved and provide funds for recycling programs. With this combination, recycling e-waste should be affordable and easy again.

One thought on “The Cost of Recycling E-Waste is becoming a Problem

  1. Brandon Wilt says:

    I agree that recycling is something important that should be taught to everyone. I’d go as far as saying that I think recycling should be taught in elementary schools. I am in charge of recycling at my fraternity and a lot of people don’t know how to recycle or what to recycle. Even when I try to teach them about how to recycle and why we should recycle often people are too lazy or too stubborn to recycle. Above of recycling I think we should be less wasteful and not make things that aren’t meant to last. We should take care of what we own more and use it as long as it lasts.

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