Electronic waste (e-waste) can be defined as loosely discarded, surplus, obsolete, or broken electrical or electronic devices. Given the ever increasing number of electronics that are upgraded every year it’s not surprising that they one of the fastest growing segments of our nation’s trash. Before you toss out your old electronics, consider these surprising statistics.
- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an estimated 30 to 40 million PCs will be ready for “end-of-life management” in each of the next few years.
- The EPA estimates that in 2005, the U.S. discarded 1.5 to 1.9 million ton (3 billion lbs.) of computers, TVs, VCRs, monitors, cell phones, and other equipment.
- About 25 million TVs are taken out of service annually.
- According to the UN Environment Programme, the worldwide total for e-waste could be 50 million tons per year.
