| Electronics is a huge part of our daily lives. From the | | | | important resource. Admittedly, the by product of |
| moment you are awakened by the beeping sound of | | | | recycling electronics aside from obtaining the original |
| your digital clock, to the percolating of your | | | | resource is toxic waste: lead, cadmium, mercury and |
| coffeemaker and the whizzing of your electric | | | | asbestos. So, even if the bulk of the electronic gadget |
| toothbrush. Throughout the day, you encounter | | | | is recyclable there still remains the toxic substance that |
| electronics time and time again as you work on your | | | | cannot be re-used nor recycled. Professional electronic |
| office computer or laptop and as you receive | | | | recycling companies are able to dispose of such toxic |
| messages via your cellular phone. At the end of the | | | | substances properly. |
| day, you warm your food using the microwave. | | | | Because of the very nature of this e-waste, what is |
| Electronics help us unwind at the end of the day and | | | | important is proper disposal. Improper disposal would |
| at times even puts us to sleep with the soothing | | | | eventually lead this e-waste into the landfill where it |
| sounds of your stereo system. | | | | could spill its toxic substances. The leakage will be |
| It appears as if we cannot live without them and | | | | absorbed by the soil. Some will run off with the rain |
| industries have to continually make new and better | | | | and contaminate the surrounding lands while others will |
| electronics and machinery. But what happens to the | | | | move downwards into the water beneath the soil, |
| old and obsolete high-tech electronics? They just sit on | | | | contaminating potable water resources. One of the |
| shelves and eventually are thrown away as waste. | | | | primary toxins that cause health problems in children is |
| Advocates of Electronic Recycling, emphasizes the | | | | lead. The extent of the poisoning ranges from simple |
| need to Re-use electronic gadgets and machinery by | | | | health illnesses to seizures and even death. Behavioral |
| donating or reselling working units to other people. This | | | | and certain learning disabilities in children have been |
| is done to maximize their use. Non-serviceable units | | | | traced to lead poisoning as well. Proper containment of |
| may then be recycled. Advocates therefore consider | | | | toxic substances and chemicals can reduce these |
| such electronic waste not as "waste" but as an | | | | adverse health effects. |