Rewasto Recycling

Sustainability

ReWasto champions sustainability by turning electronic waste into opportunities for environmental and social impact.

Toxic Chemicals and Heavy Metals

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:

Lead

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 .

Mercury

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.

Cadmium

Found in batteries, semiconductors, and some types of resistors, cadmium exposure can cause kidney damage and bone fragility. It is also a known carcinogen.

Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs)

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.

Arsenic

Used in some electronic components, arsenic exposure can lead to skin damage, increased risk of cancer, and developmental effects in children.

The global production of E-waste has been steadily increasing due to:

Rapid Technological Advancements

Frequent releases of new gadgets and shorter device lifespans.

Consumer Demand

Higher demand for electronics in developing and developed countries.

Inadequate Recycling Infrastructure

Many regions lack proper e-waste recycling facilities, leading to improper disposal.

Harms of the Informal Recycling Sector

The informal recycling sector, common in developing countries, poses significant health and environmental risks:

Exposure to Toxic Substances

Informal recyclers often lack protective equipment, leading to direct exposure to harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium.

Environmental Pollution

Hazardous methods, such as burning e-waste, release toxic fumes into the air and leach chemicals into the soil and water, contaminating ecosystems.

Health Risks

Recyclers and nearby communities face increased risks of respiratory issues, neurological disorders, and other health problems.

Child Labor

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.

Products We Recycle

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:

Computers and Laptops

Components like motherboards, processors, and memory can be

Mobile Phones and Tablets

These devices contain valuable metals and can be recycled for parts or materials.

Televisions and Monitors

Particularly older models with cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which contain lead, as well as flat-screen models containing various metals and plastics.

Home Appliances

Items like refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves contain metals, plastics, and sometimes hazardous refrigerants.

Printers and Scanners

These contain metals, plastics, and sometimes ink or toner, which need proper disposal.

Batteries

Contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and lithium, which require careful handling and recycling.

Cables and Wires

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.