E-Waste Recycling 2013

Recycling is commonly associated with paper and plastic. However, this inference is a major misconception. It must also be held synonymous with e-waste. The term e-waste is used to describe electronic waste, which consists of obsolete electronics and electrical appliances ranging from earphones and batteries to mobile phones and laptops. With our ever increasing dependence on electronic and electrical devices as well as the decreasing average lifespan of electronic devices, e-waste forms a significant portion of the waste generated. Moreover, as consumers switch more frequently to sleeker appliances and gadgets, lured by firms constantly upgrading their products, the problem of electronic waste is mounting.
Why should we recycle e-waste?
E-waste is estimated to be piling up around the world at a rate of 40 million tons per year. E-waste which includes items such as mobile phones, cable modems, laptops and lithium-ion batteries, accounts for over 70% of the toxic waste in landfills and its improper disposal leads to serious pollution and health problems. About 50 million cell phones are replaced worldwide every month, and only 10% are recycled. If we recycled just 1 million cell phones, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking more than 1,300 cars off the road for an entire year.
How can we make a meaningful contribution?
Earthlink NTU, aiming to take further steps promoting sustainable living by bringing the culture of e-waste recycling to NTU, has introduced its E-Waste Recycling Campaign for the Academic Year 2012/2013. An e-waste recycling bin has been placed in North Spine, near the entrance to the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering on Level 1. With increasing concern over the safe disposal of e-waste around the world and the need for a sustainable lifestyle, we aim to provide the students of NTU with an opportunity to play a more significant role in preserving the environment and sincerely hope to achieve our goal of increasing awareness with respect to e-waste recycling with the active support and participation of the NTU population in this campaign.