Electronic waste, or e-waste, has had significant environmental impacts over the last few decades. Due to the steadily increasing growth rate of technological advancements, many electronic devices are discarded and replaced by the new “big thing.” Aside from common household waste, such as phones, personal computers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, etc., IT equipment is also a major source of e-waste. All companies generate waste, and although many of them have taken eco-friendly measures, most business’ still don’t dispose of their IT equipment in an environmentally-friendly manner.
At Keystone Technology Management, we provide IT asset disposal for off-network, unwanted and obsolete technology equipment. By offering e-waste recycling services, we hope to encourage companies to contribute to safe environmental practices. E-waste affects many aspects of the environment, including the air, soil, and water.
AIR
- E-waste is typically burned, which releases toxins into the air, affecting both human and animal health.
- Dioxins released from burned plastic can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer.
- Toxins and chemicals released from burning e-waste can travel miles outside of the point of origin, affecting larger populations outside of waste landfills.
- Long-term effects of these chemicals are not only dangerous for adults and animals, but it can cause harmful effects on brain and nervous system development in children, amongst other health issues.
SOIL
- E-waste is commonly disposed of improperly in landfills or illegally dumped.
- Heavy metal and flame retardants in e-waste creep directly into the soil, causing contamination of underlying groundwater and crops.
- Soil that becomes contaminated is harmful to microorganisms in the soil and plants. This soil pollution, in turn, affects animals and wildlife that rely on plant food for survival.
- Humans are susceptible to significant health issues when ingesting crops harvested from contaminated soil.
WATER
- Improperly disposing of e-waste has a considerable impact on our water.
- Extracting the precious metals found in electronics is complicated and requires burning, shredding, filtration, and various other processes.
- Improperly leaching, or filtering these materials causes them to be released into streams, ponds, and rivers, which often reaches communities miles away.
- In some cases, due to high levels of metal exposure, e-waste can leave groundwater undrinkable.
- Lead, mercury, and cadmium, which are found in electronics, can have serious impacts on a person’s organs, as well as to the nervous and reproductive system.
Keystone Technology Management uses efficient recycling solutions for employee safety, client security, and environmental health by maintaining an R2v3 certification. We follow all federal, state, and local regulations when recycling IT equipment, computer hard drives, and other electronics. To sell your office IT equipment, contact Keystone Technology Management to assist you through the process. Our highly qualified and knowledgeable management team are dedicated to handling our client’s equipment with the highest level of care and security. To sell IT equipment, email Keystone Technology Management at contact@keystonetm.com or fill out our contact sheet.