Recycling electronics creates new jobs in the industry
According to the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), around 49 million metric tons of electronics waste is generated throughout the world each year. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the United States accounts for nearly 3 million tons of this waste, yet we continue to discard electronic waste (or e-waste), polluting the environment, which has created a very real need to cultivate and support the industry of electronics recycling.
It’s a complex issue, but several options are becoming more available to both individuals and corporations. For example, you may be tempted to discard your old gadgets after they pass their prime, but don’t discount the value of trading in or selling your old electronics for cash, store credit, or gift cards. Many retailers accept trade-ins of old electronics. The EPA has a website that lists a few retailers that participate in recycling programs.
Implications for the Future of the Electronics Industry
Contamination can occur if companies improperly dispose of electronics. These companies can face large fines in clean-up costs if they don’t take the initiative to properly recycle electronics. Many electronics recycling companies are attempting to eliminate these risks to the environment by managing the recycling of electronics into reusable commodities.
If people recycled more of their old electronics, manufacturers might spend less on producing products from the ground up, resulting in lower prices for the consumer. Additionally, because people are needed to manage the process of responsible electronics disposal, more jobs could be created within the electronics industry.
Most people have at least a few old gadgets taking up room in their junk drawer at home. Why not create jobs, lessen the environmental impact of e-waste, and make money at the same time?
Jobs Created by Electronics Recycling
A 2013 study commissioned by the Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER) stated that creating restrictions on the exportation of e-waste has the potential to create up to 42,000 direct and indirect new jobs domestically. Because of unrestricted trade in electronic scrap with developing countries, our nation is essentially neglecting the capacity to create good jobs and manage the volume of the e-waste we generate.
The electronics recycling industry is already making strides in job creation. A start-up company called Isidore Electronics Recycling in Los Angeles is giving people with criminal records a fair shot at employment by offering jobs in e-waste management to those trying to re-enter the workforce. Although jobs are already being created, an increase in the amount of companies and individuals recycling electronics domestically would have the power to create seven jobs for every one job in the electronics exporter trade.
The Electronics Industry is Growing
With an increased concentration on electronic waste, the business community is also supporting the industry’s growth by participating in manufacturer take-back programs. And with support from state and federal governments as well as the backing of big business, the industry will continue to grow, making the recycling of electronics as good for the economy as it is for the environment.
Many retailers have partnerships with websites that will accept old electronics in exchange for gift cards or cash. Before taking in your grocery bag full of old gadgets, there are some things you need to check, such as the exact model number and the condition of the item. It may also be necessary to include the item’s charger. A merchant will inspect your items, whether you bring them in personally or mail them to an online retailer. If you take your item to a store for trade in, you’ll usually get cash or credit for it immediately—but if you sell online, expect it to take days or even weeks to get your cash or gift card.
What Does it All Mean?
We have to work together to minimize waste and encourage companies to utilize environmentally conscious practices. Individuals looking to make some extra money on unwanted electronics or companies interested in decreasing our output of recycled electronic waste have the power to create jobs and reduce electronic waste pollution together. Westwood College currently participates in several recycling programs across our campuses and we will continue to evaluate different ways to partner with our electronics vendors, and the community, to further our efforts in the future.
Do you want to learn more about the electronics industry? Request info about the Westwood electronics technology associate degree today!