Electronic waste or E-waste refers to discarded products that use electricity. Unlike waste, e-waste is recyclable as many of its parts is made of reusable materials. When disposed of, e-waste either will find itself in a landfill, where it is insinuated, left to decay with other waste, or is recycled for reuse.

E-waste is quickly becoming a problem as the number of people buying electronics continues to grow. Because electronic components are made from a combination of toxic and non-toxic metals, e-waste constitutes a threat to the environment. Incineration of electronics causes severe damage by making the toxins found in certain metals like lead and mercury to become airborne and can enter the soil, ground water, and people.

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Other Sources

“E-Waste Definition.” ewasteguide.com. http://ewasteguide.info/e_waste_definition. Accessed May 16, 2016.

“What is E-Waste?” Recycle Force. http://www.recycleforce.org/recycling-services/e-waste. Accessed May 16, 2016.