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Why e-waste is becoming an issue
- Sushant Bhatia
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
What do you do with your old laptop once it slows down or breaks? Or that drawer full of tangled chargers, outdated headphones, and long-forgotten devices? As we keep chasing the latest tech, we’re also generating one of the world’s fastest-growing waste problems: electronic waste, or e-waste.
Why E-Waste Is More Than Just Clutter
E-waste isn’t just about junk electronics—it’s an environmental issue with global consequences. From toxic materials that can leak into the soil and water, to valuable metals we’re throwing away, how we deal with discarded electronics affects both people and the planet.
In this article, we’ll explore what e-waste really is, why it's a problem, and how smarter handling of old devices—especially things like laptops and computers—can make a difference.
What Is E-Waste, exactly?
E-waste includes any electronic device that’s no longer needed or working. That could be:
An old laptop that’s too slow
A smartphone with a cracked screen
A TV that won’t turn on
A broken fridge
Or that box of chargers and cables collecting dust
Many of these items still contain valuable materials and parts that could be reused or recycled—but most of them end up in the trash.
New gadgets hit the market every year, and it’s tempting to upgrade. But in doing so, we often throw out laptops that could be repaired or repurposed, adding to a growing global waste problem.
Why E-Waste Is a Growing Problem
In 2022, the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste, according to the UN. That’s an 82% increase since 2010. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to 82 million tones.
And here’s the real problem: only 17% of e-waste is properly recycled. The rest either:
Ends up in landfills, or
Gets dismantled unsafely in informal sectors, where toxic substances are released into the air, soil, and water
With devices like laptops and desktops becoming more common in homes, schools, and offices, managing e-waste properly is more important than ever.
What’s Inside Your Old Laptop?
When we toss a laptop, we’re not just throwing away a gadget—we’re also wasting:
Gold (used in circuit boards)
Copper (used in wires)
Silver
Lithium (in batteries)
These are valuable materials that can be reused—but only if they’re recycled properly.
On the flip side, laptops also contain hazardous substances, like:
Lead
Mercury
Cadmium
Chemical flame retardants
These materials can be dangerous to both human health and the environment if not handled correctly.
Recycling laptops and other electronics safely requires special equipment and trained workers—this isn’t something we can just toss in the recycling bin.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Old Laptop Go to Waste
Your old laptop may be out of use, but it’s not worthless. It holds precious materials that can be recovered and harmful ones that need proper disposal. In the bigger picture, how we handle discarded electronics—especially laptops—shapes the health of us environment and economy. Thank you for reading our blog post. We hope you found it valuable and informative.
If you have any questions related to end-to-end waste management, would like to learn more about our services, or just want to connect, feel free to reach out. We are always open to discussions and collaboration.
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