Stewardship Spotlight on Earth Care: Simple Steps for E-Waste Management

Don’t Let Your E-Waste Take a Toll: Simple Steps for Responsible E-Waste Management

Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, refers to discarded or unwanted electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, televisions, and other electronic equipment. With the rapid pace of technological innovation, electronic devices are becoming obsolete at an increasingly rapid rate, leading to a growing problem of electronic waste.

Since 2010, the volume of e-waste generated globally has been steadily rising. By 2019, approximately 53.6 million metric tons was produced. This was an increase of 44.4 million metric tons in just five years. Of this, just 17.4 percent was documented to be collected and properly recycled.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/499891/projection-ewaste-generation-worldwide/

E-waste contains a variety of toxic materials, including lead, mercury, nickel and cadmium, which can have serious environmental and health impacts if not properly managed. When e-waste is discarded in landfills with other waste or burned, these toxic materials can leach into the soil and water, causing harm to wildlife and potentially impacting human health.

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(21)00263-1/fulltext#:~:text=E%2Dwaste%20contains%20numerous%20toxic,furans%20(PCDD%2FFs).

To address the growing problem of e-waste, it is important to promote responsible e-waste management practices, such as collection and recycling programs, that minimize the environmental and health impacts of e-waste.

What Can We Do to Help?

Reducing consumption is one of the most effective ways to address the issue of e-waste. While the latest models of phones, televisions, and computers may seem exciting to have, the constant demand for newer and better technology generates an enormous volume of e-waste. By cutting down on unnecessary purchases and extending the lifespan of our existing electronics, we can significantly reduce the amount of e-waste that is generated.

If you can plug it in, don’t just throw it out with the trash. Take it to the proper facility.

General E-Waste https://www.calgary.ca/waste/residential/electronics-recycling-depots.html

Bring your electronics to a City of Calgary landfill for free recycling. There is no charge to bring electronics to a City landfill unless your load contains other garbage so make sure you separate out the E-waste

Ecco Recycling (10114 24 St S.E.) This location accepts all the same electronics materials as the City Landfills

Batteries https://www.calgary.ca/waste/what-goes-where/batteries.html

Instead of throwing your non-rechargeable batteries out, take them to a participating retailer for recycling, free of charge.

Retailer locations include: