The "magic" is recycling electronics. Many people think that it is fake and not possible and thus disregard those electronic recycling companies as "just trying to make money out of a hoax". However, even if some of those companies are fake, MOST of them are real!
So let's start by showing you the process of recycling electronics.
After the product has been handed over to the electronics recycling company it is thoroughly inspected. The companies check if the product is in working condition or if it can be reused once refurbished. The item will get completely disassembled and dismantled to determine its usefulness. Once dismantled, it is used for a particular purpose that keeps it safe. The electronic device that cannot be reused is then shipped away to a recycling plant. There are different plants for different types of electronics recycling.
At the plant, they inspect the materials again to make sure that items like batteries, toner cartridges, and fluorescent lights do not get on the conveyor belt. Then using a powerful shredder the items are shredded into small chunks. At this stage, the recycling is done mainly through the separation of the materials. Each plant has its own method of sorting; the most common method is the optical sorting system. Even processes using high-end technology like eddy currents and magnetic separation is commonly seen. The chunks pass onto a conveyor belt and a laser beam is used to identify the properties of the item.
When initially sorted on the type of materials they are sorted into, plastics, metals, computer chips, etc. In the next step, the metals are further separated into different types. They are then put up for sale on the global market. Once the materials are sorted and sold the real recycling process begins. Since they are separated into their individual types, they can be high-grade and clean materials. The materials will then be sold according to their grade and quality to manufacturers and producers.
Plastics are sold to countries like China which will make use of it for manufacturing. The plastics used in manufacturing computers have flame-retardant properties which are useful to build new computers and electronics. The metals that get extracted from the recycled products are used in countries like the United States.
Now you may ask, why should I recycle my electronics?
Well, there are many reasons, and I will list a few of them here.
1) After you throw out your electronics, its next destination is often the landfill.
Electronics can take thousands of years to decompose. During that time, it has a damaging and long-lasting effect on the environment. As electronics break down, they release toxic chemicals into the soil, contaminating plants and trees. Some of these chemicals include lead from circuit boards and lithium from batteries. They also have the potential to make their way into human and animal food supplies. Shocking, right?
2) Improper disposal of electronics can lead to toxins — including mercury, lead, and cadmium — flowing into the groundwater.
Groundwater makes its way to streams, ponds, and lakes, which are sources of water for animals, plants, and humans. Contaminated water poses the risk of compromising the food chain and can contribute to numerous health risks including reproductive and developmental problems, cancer, and immune system damage. 😲😲😲
"Well then, how do I recycle my electronics?"
There are 3 ways.
1) Take your electronics to the nearest shopping mall. There should be a huge "postal" box there saying that electronic waste is poisonous and recycling them is better. Just drop your electronics inside! (only applicable for Singapore)
2) You can contact our local recycling company and ask them to help recycle electronic waste!
3) If your electronics are still working, you can donate them to charity!
Here is a video on recycling electronics (take note that is made in Malaysia):
Thank you for reading my blog. If you like it, do remember to hit the heart at the bottom of the blog! I would greatly appreciate it, thank you and till next time! Bye!
- Theodore Teh
(founder of this website)
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