Computer Recycling Facts You Should Know in 2021

Computer recycling, and e-waste in general, has become a hot topic of debate in recent years. In fact, the problem of improper e-waste recycling has become such a high profile issue that in 2012, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Electronic Equipment Reuse and Recycling Act (EERRA) was put into action in order to help ensure that computers and other types of e-waste stayed out of landfills and were recycled properly.

E-waste is the fastest-growing municipal waste stream in America, but, despite the increased media coverage and government attention regarding e-waste, many business owners are still not completely aware of the importance of the issue. In order to help shed some additional light on this topic, we’ve compiled a list of ten computer recycling facts that may help remind business owners of the importance of compliance.

1. 20 to 50 million tons of e-waste are disposed of worldwide every year, yet just 12.5 percent of it is currently recycled.
2. Recycling one million laptops can save the energy equivalent to the electricity used by 3,657 U.S. homes over the course of a year.
3. Recycling one million desktop computers prevents the release of greenhouse gases equivalent to the annual emissions of 16,000 passenger cars.
4. It takes 539 pounds of fossil fuel, 48 pounds of chemicals, and 1.5 tons of water to manufacture just one new computer and monitor.
5. E-waste represents two percent of the accumulated trash in American landfills, but it equals 70 percent of the country’s overall toxic waste.
6. Up to 85 percent of electronic products are discarded in landfills or incinerators every year, which can result in the release of certain toxins into the air and waterways.
7. In many cases, whole electronic equipment, or parts that are readily disposed of, are actually still marketable for reuse or can be recycled for materials recovery.
8. Five toxic metals are used in the manufacturing of a CRT, including mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and brominated flame retardants, as well as approximately five pounds of lead.
9. The extreme amount of lead used in electronics alone causes damage in the central and peripheral nervous systems, the blood, and the kidneys.
10. More than 133,000 computers are discarded every day in the United States alone.

Liquid Technology Offers E-Waste and Computer Recycling Services for Businesses

If you need a cost-effective solution for your e-waste and computer recycling, Liquid Technology can help. We are ISO 14001 certified, a member of NAID®, and an e-Steward Enterprise. Our e-waste recycling disposal services fully comply with all EPA guidelines so you can rest assured knowing your company is always protected and operating in accordance with the NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act. For reputable and reliable computer and e-waste recycling, call Liquid Technology today at 800-797-5478.