Wee

Electrical and electronic equipment waste is becoming a serious problem in most countries. Electronic and electrical equipment includes appliances that need electricity like kettles, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, mobile phones, television sets, computers, lapstops, video games and others.

These appliances contain dangerous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals that are known to cause pollution and health problems in individuals. There are several benefits of recycling that consumers need to be made aware about. Dismantling these electrical and electronic appliances allows the different parts to be reused and controls the buildup of waste. In addition, metals procured during recycling can be utilized in other industries and further reduce the amount of waste.
Both manufacturers and consumers are responsible for recycling electrical and electronic equipments. There are efforts to raise the awareness about the benefits of recycling electronic and electrical equipment by different organizations. Consumers can help by reducing the waste of these appliances and restricting their purchase to only those items they need urgently. They should consider borrowing or renting electrical and electronic equipment they are going to use occasionally.

In addition, consumers should consider sharing or giving away the appliances they no longer need to someone needy, instead of disposing it. They are also advised to buy the most energy efficient appliances and ask about the option of recycling at the time of purchase.

The responsibility lies with the retailers to inform the consumers about the prospect of recycling the electronic and electrical equipment they carry. Many retailers also offer exchange programs where the consumers can exchange their old appliances for the new ones free of charge or drop off their old appliances at designated recycling zones.

If you have an item with a picture of a wheelie bin with a line through it (including the batteries), please do not put it in the bin. These items will end up in ordinary landfill and contaminate the water table. Eventually you and your family will ne consuming lead, mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals.

Save them up and do a trip to the tip