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Technology has become such an integral part of our daily lives that it is everywhere. As it has evolved, its size, materials, and capability have changed.
However, technology is not meant to stand the test of time. With its constant evolution, the latest version of things often comes out on the market while we are still working out the current version.
This usually means that the “older” technology needs to be disposed of. Due to the materials used to create such technology in the first place, there are several options, methods, and good reasons for using the correct disposal approach.
To understand the disposal of electronic waste, we need to know exactly what it is. E-waste, or electronic waste, is a large, encompassing umbrella term that covers a number of items such as:
Their construction can be hazardous to the environment if disposed of incorrectly. The dangers include everything from toxins leaching out into the soil and water table to the risk of fire combustion and injury.
While most technology is safe to use in good condition, and it aids us in our day-to-day lives, the failure to dispose of these items in the right way can be disastrous.
While the term “E-waste” can mean many things, there are several items that don’t fall under this category and cannot be disposed of in the same manner. Such products include the following:
You should reach out to your local municipality to find out where the hazardous waste centres are for these particular items. It is also always best practice to check with your local recycling depot where you can take these items to avoid incorrect E-waste disposal fines and penalties.
Due to cyber security being a threat at every turn and the risk of your personal identity being stolen, you need to make sure that you delete all of your information from your electronic devices before taking them to be destroyed.
Smartphones, computers, and laptops are the prime resources of identity theft, and there is no guarantee that your personal information will be removed at the disposal site. Therefore, it is best practice to clear all of your data first.
Where possible, remove the batteries and SIM cards from your devices. These can often escalate already hazardous scenarios. Such items also need to be handled and disposed of differently.
The main materials in E-waste consist of metal, silicone, and plastic. The metal elements can be reused and repurposed, and the same applies to plastic as well. However, the silicone parts are harder to deal with.
In 2020, Canadians produced nearly one million tonnes of e-waste, a number expected to grow to 1.2 million tonnes by 2030.
Google can be your friend when it comes to finding local e-waste centres. These specialty sites are designed to handle all E-waste materials and ensure their correct and safe disposal.
Some businesses that deal with E-waste will sometimes hold collection events. This makes it easier for people to drop off their devices at certain collection points, especially if you don’t know where else to take them.
Many reuse centres or thrift stores will take E-waste. They will clean these items, refurbish them, and then pass them on to people in need. Again, it is best to delete all your personal information before dropping off any such products, as there is an increased risk of your data being stolen.
Unfortunately, many E-waste items typically end up in landfill sites. However, this is not the best solution and creates several environmental issues. If you are unsure what to do, contacting a reputable waste disposal company will be a good resource as they can often direct you to the right place.
For over thirty years, Scarborough Disposal Ltd. has been taking care of Toronto waste for businesses and residences. We provide people with dumpster rentals to clear out home renovations, yard waste, construction sites, and estate clean-ups.
As a result, we have also witnessed the evolution of technology, and have been a part of the environmental impact regulations. Knowing the process as it forms helps us to safely handle all sorts of materials. We understand the need for these processes and stay on top of all regulatory requirements, which is why we are the number one choice for dumpster rentals.
Our bins range in size from 4 yards to 40 yards, so a wide range of items can be thrown in them. Once the bin is taken away from your location, all the contents will be disposed of in the proper manner and in keeping with environmental rules and regulations.
We are also a fountain of knowledge. If you are unsure whether your items can go into the dumpster, then we can advise you, and also let you know where to take the items that we cannot dispose of.
For more information on electronic waste disposal, you can call us at 416-265-7979 or visit us online and see which bins are suitable for you. You can also contact us here to see the areas we service.
