ReWasto champions sustainability by turning electronic waste into opportunities for environmental and social impact.
E-waste poses a silent but serious threat to both human health and the environment through its toxic content. The following are major harmful materials it includes:
Found in cathode ray tubes and solder in electronics, lead exposure can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive system. It is particularly harmful to children, leading to developmental issues .
Present in switches, relays, and flat-screen monitors, mercury can cause damage to the brain and kidneys. In pregnant women, mercury exposure can affect fetal development, leading to neurological problems.
Found in batteries, semiconductors, and some types of resistors, cadmium exposure can cause kidney damage and bone fragility. It is also a known carcinogen.
Used in plastics and electronic components to prevent fires, BFRs can disrupt endocrine function and affect thyroid hormones. They are also linked to neurodevelopmental issues in children.
Used in some electronic components, arsenic exposure can lead to skin damage, increased risk of cancer, and developmental effects in children.
Frequent releases of new gadgets and shorter device lifespans.
Higher demand for electronics in developing and developed countries.
Many regions lack proper e-waste recycling facilities, leading to improper disposal.
The informal recycling sector, common in developing countries, poses significant health and environmental risks:
Informal recyclers often lack protective equipment, leading to direct exposure to harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Hazardous methods, such as burning e-waste, release toxic fumes into the air and leach chemicals into the soil and water, contaminating ecosystems.
Recyclers and nearby communities face increased risks of respiratory issues, neurological disorders, and other health problems.
Involvement of children in e-waste recycling exposes them to severe health hazards and developmental issues. Overall, increasing e-waste and informal recycling pose substantial threats to human health and the environment.
Recycling e-waste involves recovering valuable materials and safely disposing of hazardous substances. refurbished or recycled for precious metals like gold, silver, and copper. Commonly recycled products include:
Components like motherboards, processors, and memory can be
These devices contain valuable metals and can be recycled for parts or materials.
Particularly older models with cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which contain lead, as well as flat-screen models containing various metals and plastics.
Items like refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves contain metals, plastics, and sometimes hazardous refrigerants.
These contain metals, plastics, and sometimes ink or toner, which need proper disposal.
Contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and lithium, which require careful handling and recycling.
These are recycled for their metal content, such as copper and aluminum. Recycling these products helps recover valuable materials, reduce environmental impact, and prevent health hazards associated with improper disposal.