E-Waste: Big Business Beats Recycling Complications

An Increase in E-Waste: 

Rapid demand for newer, faster computers, smart phones, desktops, and laptops results in a reduction of electronic lifespan. 

The Business of Refurbishment: 

The UK IT resale market is worth $460 million. 

Old computers, phones, refrigerators, and microwaves are refurbished or disassembled for parts that can be made into other equipment such as vacuums or coffee machines.

Complications for Recycling Tech:

• Computers are not designed to be reused or recycled.
• China has stopped accepting hard plastic from computers.
• Used computers must be wiped prior to resale.
• The smaller, thinner devices are more difficult to refurbish.

The Financial Times | Why ‘zero landfill’ remains a distant dream for computers