Who repairs their electronics anymore? It’s easier to buy new and throw out the old. But electronic waste is on the verge of becoming an epidemic with serious consequences.

Not your average garbage
On average we replace our cell phones every 18 months and in the next three years more than 400 million computers will be replaced. Worldwide was are producing 50 million tons, according to the UN Environment Programme.

But all those cell phones, TVs, VCRs, monitors, computers and other equipment we throw aren’t ordinary garbage. They contain toxins like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, beryllium that pollute our soil and water. E-waste also gets shipped most of it illegally — to China, Nigeria, India and Pakistan where it rests in toxic piles waiting to be recycled, poisoning the residents.

Time to act
North America lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to recycling electronics. Other countries have ratified The Basel Convention prohibiting the export or dumping of illegal e-waste.

But things are slowly changing. Major companies are started recycling programs or are improving their existing programs. New York City and New Jersey State passed take-back laws requiring computer, TV and MP3 manufacturers to take responsibility for their products.

Sony leads the way
Sony of Canada Ltd. recently launched an extensive take-back program for all its products at their end-of-life. Drop off your old equipment at one of their 25 non-retail collections sites or bring your handheld Sony electronics to any Sony Style stores. No purchase is necessary.

Currently the only TV manufacturer with this type of program, Sony is also working with a professional recycling company to ensure your old electronics are properly recycled and not just thrown into the landfill — a major concern with many recycling programs.

Read more about the program in our article Sony Canada tackles e-waste.

Garbage reclassified as gold
Last January ebay started its Rethink Initiative Campaign encouraging everyone to sell their old electronics instead of throwing them out and asking their sellers to spread the word about e-water. Don’t want the hassle of selling? Rethink also offers places to donate or recycle your item.

For donating, Tech Soup has one of the most comprehensive listing of nonprofits or school based recyclers, accepting donations of working equipment no older than five years as well as commercial recyclers accepting older or non-working equipment.

Time to get tough
The Electronics TakeBack Coalition has started a market campaign to pressure companies into creating and improving takeback programs, including responsible recycling. Its Computer TakeBack document rates the various take-back/recycling programs of major companies showing the fine print associated with some. (Apple is the worst.) You can also share your dead gadget stories with them.

Solutions for cell phones
The international CTIA-The Wireless Association has started a campaign with participating members for cell phone drop off points. They have a list of cell phone companies participating in the initiative.

The Canadian Charitable Recycling Program allows you to donate your cell phone so they can be refurbished and donated. The Canadian Association of Food Banks runs Phones for Food and collects cell phones collects cell phones at Petro-Canada, Purolator and other locations. The profits go to food banks.

Use your green dollars
If you’re in the market for a new computer or cell phone, be sure to check with the company about their programs. Go with the company that has something in place and save yourself some hassle. Be sure to let the company you passed know it’s because they don’t have a take-back program in place. And before you buy, ask yourself if you really need that new cell phone.

Via: Green Living Online