Switched has a new home! Huffpost Tech.

Click here to visit the new home of Switched!

Hot on HuffPost Tech:

See More Stories
AOL Tech

'Mountains' of E-Waste Burden Developing Nations, U.N. Finds

by Caleb Johnson on February 22, 2010 at 02:30 PM

What happens to your old electronic device when you upgrade to a newer model? Do you dump your cell phone in the trash? Toss that old desktop into a dumpster? Many people do, but they don't consider where this waste eventually ends up.

According to BBC News, much of this "e-waste" finds its way to developing nations, and it could lead to major problems in the future. A U.N. report stated that vast amounts of discarded electronics find their way to China, India and some African countries. The estimated numbers in this study are pretty staggering. By 2020, the number of discarded computers in India could jump from current levels by 500-percent, while China and South Africa could see a 400-percent increase.

These numbers suggest that if these devices aren't properly discarded, it could have a severe impact on each country's environment and public health. Some of these nations gladly accept old electronics because they can recycle valuable metals like silver, gold and cobalt from the parts. But the methods they use are inefficient at best, and flat-out harmful at worst.

So, when you're upgrading, whether it be a TV or cell phone, think "green." Many companies, phone carriers, and retail stores offer recycling programs. Or, if you're the creative type, you could even turn those old electronics into art. [From: BBC News]

Tags: cellphone, computer, electronics, environment, green, pollution, recycling, top, trash

Comments

1

HuffPost AOL Social News Most Popular