Electronic Waste: Give Technological Waste a Sustainable End

Sustainability, a Common Responsibility

Sustainable development involves meeting our present needs without compromising future generations. This means finding a balance between economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. Proper management of electronic waste is crucial to minimize pollution and ensure a future for nature.

Governments have adopted various policies and regulations to promote sustainability and responsible management of electronic waste. Both the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive and the Spanish Circular Economy Strategy aim to reduce waste generation and promote material reuse.

These initiatives not only benefit the environment but also create new business opportunities as electronic "scrap dealers." Among these, three Spanish projects stand out:

• Éxxita Be Circular: This company has become a national leader in intelligent electronic waste management. They use artificial intelligence to extend the life of devices, transforming a repair shop into an innovation hub in just a few years.

• Recyclink: This project focuses on the recovery and recycling of electronic waste, specifically silver from sensors, wiring, and screens. Additionally, it develops more sustainable inks and processes, contributing to the circular economy.

• Plastice: Although its focus is on plastic reusage, its methodology and technology can be applied to electronic waste management, reducing both waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Responsible and Simple Options to Dispose of Your Technological Waste

To address this problem, it is essential to adopt sustainable practices that allow for the responsible management of obsolete or unused devices. These options provide ideas for SMEs to ensure their waste does not negatively impact the environment:

1. Reduce: The most effective strategy to decrease electronic waste is to reduce its generation. Opt for high-quality, durable devices to avoid frequent replacements and combat planned obsolescence. Additionally, choose products with eco-certifications and energy efficiency to reduce environmental impact.

2. Reuse: In many cases, devices can have a second life if properly reused. If your SME lacks the capacity to refurbish them, donate them to charities, schools, or needy communities. Additionally, some manufacturers and retailers offer buyback or exchange programs that allow you to return old devices in exchange for discounts on new purchases.

3. Repair: Before discarding a device, consider the possibility of repairing it. Repairing extends the product's life and reduces the demand for new resources, consequently reducing waste generation. You can learn through free courses or hire a specialized service to repair them efficiently.

4. Recycle: Several components of electronic devices contain toxic substances. These must be properly disposed of to mitigate their negative impact and potential harm. Additionally, many devices contain gold, silver, and copper, which can be reused in the manufacture of new products.

To minimize our environmental impact, we must consider these options. When selecting new devices, it is important to plan for what we will do with them once they stop working or need to be replaced.

Thanks to European and national regulations, electronic products must provide relevant information about themselves, such as energy efficiency or the recyclability of their components.

Choose wisely and contribute to a more sustainable future. Keep exploring our resources and make a difference!