By Marla Mills


The state authorities are considering setting up an act that will require electronics manufacturers to collect and recycle products that buyers do not wish to keep them anymore. Environmental and consumer groups have begun campaign aimed at boosting the level of electronics recycling in Austin area. The many benefits that come with such process are what have caught the attention of many stakeholders in the production industry.

Due to the fact that electronics are fast evolving, many people have got different kinds of gadgets in their custody that they no longer use. The methods that a lot of people use in disposing such appliances is throwing them into the streets or sending them to garbage collection centers. Both methods are regarded as harmful and there is need to come up with a safe mode of disposal.

The best way of eliminating unwanted electronics in our homesteads is sending them to the manufacturer for recycling. With effective application of this method, water and air pollution associated with gadgets disposal will reduce drastically. An example of the toxic materials found in electrical gadgets includes lead. This element is termed as carcinogen and is widely applied in the manufacture of CRTs.

Mercury is utilized in coming up with lighting materials especially flat panels used in displays. In addition, the poisonous compound is applied in dry cells commonly applied in computers, watches, radio sets and mobile phones. If this element finds its way into the human body, it will have severe effects such as damaging of the nervous system.

Barium oxide is very useful in the manufacture of cathode ray tubes. Since it has been confirmed that it leads to swelling of brain if ingested by a human being, it must be disposed properly at the end of its lifetime. Electrical components such as plastic housings, keyboards and cables contain vinyl chloride. This element will easily be released into the air if the mother electronics are exposed to elements of tear at a given dump site. Once in air, it can possibly be inhaled by human beings and other living organisms.

According to specialists, gadgets kept in a store inside a residential building cause little or no pollution. Danger arises when these kind of materials are disposed to garbage collection areas or exposed to fire. If any of the two is done, the poisonous compounds will easily detach from the waste leading to pollution.

If effective recycling is to be achieved, manufacturers should be allowed to choose the way they wish to collect used items from their customers. They are also supposed to install recycling systems that they find best so long as they are in line with the minimal set standards. Collection of unwanted electronics from consumers will see reduce the amount of toxins permeating our environment.

Electronics recycling in Austin area not only help reduce pollution but also reduces the need to extract virgin resources. This is because most of the metals obtained from the used appliances are utilized in making new ones. Some of the components like light emitting diodes, capacitors and diodes can be reused as they are so long as they are tested and found to be in good condition.




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