Every year, North Americans throw 40 million metric tonnes of electronic e-waste. This includes cellphones, computers, TVs, VCRs, electronics that are full of heavy metals and dangerous chemicals.
Only 13.6% of e-waste was recycled in 2007.
90% of North American e-waste are exported to China, and Nigeria.
In Guiyu, China and Lagos, Nigeria, where the e-waste are being dumped, water and air are being polluted and 80% of children raised in these places have dangerous levels of lead in their blood.
You can play a role in reducing e-waste by considering refurbished computers to reduce e-waste, or computer upgrades to extend the life-cycle of your equipment. Every bit helps.
Posted by Pingpong