Photo: GreenStar via Pixabay.
Here’s a headline for you: “E-waste grew 8 percent in just 2 years. Just one-fifth was recycled. – A growing global middle class and our tech-saturated lives are burying the planet in electronic waste.” The article appeared in Environmental Health News (EHN) recently.
While the public happily pursues the latest popular new technology and electronic gadget, what is happening to the discarded electronic devices? Apparently, recycling the equipment is not on top of the list. Check out the EHN article HERE.
Many people are conscious of recycling glass, plastics, and other materials – so why not electronics? It could be many reasons, like the items could be bulky or the items may not be able to be picked up with the rest of a household’s recyclable materials. It’s not just households – businesses can also produce a large amount of electronic waste.
A step in the right direction may be as simple as knowing where to take our e-scrap to be recycled.
So what should we do with our electronic waste in the St. Louis area and Missouri? Find a few informational resources that can help below.
Also, can our electronic waste be a threat to national security? One national advocacy organization says – yes.
Check out the St. Louis County “Recycling Electronics” webpage. You’ll find several licensed electronic recyclers in the St. Louis area and information as to why it is important to recycle our discarded devices.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources also provides information for electronics recycling in Missouri. Find a list of companies that recycle electronics in the State of Missouri. See the list HERE.
Missouri also has a resource called E-cycle Missouri. The website describes the resource group as the following:
“E-cycle Missouri is a program designed by private, public and nonprofit recyclers, federal, state and local governments, manufacturers, environmental groups and retail organizations to provide you with the how and where information you need to recycle your electronics. We provide electronic equipment recyclers and demanufacturers with best management practices for collecting, processing and transporting e-scrap in Missouri in a way that protects the environment. We also help individuals and businesses choose a recycler that best meets their needs.”
E-cycle Missouri also provides a calendar of state-wide local electronic recycling events. (Many of which show being located right here in the St. Louis area. (Way to go St. Louis! ) Find the calendar listing HERE.
What does electronic recycling look like on a national level? Here’s a couple of outlets to visit.
The National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) is a non-profit organization focused on “the development and enhancement of a national infrastructure for the recycling of used electronics in the U.S.”
NCER states “it does not take positions on legislative proposals for electronics recycling systems, the NCER is ready to assist in the implementation of recycling programs across the country and believes that national and regional approaches offer the best way forward.”
Find out more about why NCER says electronics recycling is important HERE.
Another national organization is the Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER). The advocacy coalition supports responsible electronic recycling. CAER says some of the benefits include, helping to protect homeland security, creating jobs, investments, high-value exports, data security, and sustainability. Find out more about why CAER says electronics waste can affect nation’s security, and other elements HERE.
The coalition’s membership listing includes several recycling companies located in Missouri. Find the member list HERE.
We hope the links and information provided in this Environmental Echo post help our readers to understand more about electronics recycling and where to find a local drop off spot for your e-scrap. Happy Recycling!!
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