Technology advances and technology is changing, so does the management of e-waste. Many manufacturing plants are having trouble keeping up with their waste, as the Internet of Things is becoming more popular.
What is the solution to Io T device disposal?
We will be discussing this in the next article.
- What IoT devices do you use?
- They can have a devastating effect on your health if they are not properly disposed of
- How your business and you can manage electronic waste better
What is the Internet of Things Devices?
The Internet of Things seems like a new super internet that could take over the world. It actually refers to smartwatches and smart refrigerators as well as the Google Home, Apple HomePod and other smart devices that don’t include your phone or computer.
These other smart devices, as well as small microprocessors for upgrading work equipment, make up the “Internet of Things”.
What does this all mean for old, failed IoT devices?
Electronic waste is growing
Electronic waste, also called e-waste or electronic device waste, has seen a dramatic increase in volume over the past few years due to major technological advances such as IoT devices. E-waste grew when home computers were the norm. They increased once more video games consoles and laptops were on the market.
While those devices were durable, IoT devices are usually designed to fail. We are now looking at electronic waste like nothing before.
The United Nations estimates that e waste will reach more than 52.2 millions metric tons by 2021. It is estimated that our e-waste could reach 4 billion tonnes by 2050.
Continue reading to find out why.
Planned Obsolescence: Get rid of the old, get in with the new
Many companies have begun to practice planned obsolescence, much to the dismay of their customers. They design a product that will fail after a set amount of time in order to encourage the consumer to purchase another one.
Although most batteries can be easily replaced, this is an environmental disaster in itself. Other devices have a limited life span. Many IoT devices can only last up to a year before they need to be replaced.
Planned obsolescence can be a problem for the buyer who must spend more money but also for the environment. We now have the next problem: IoT devices ending up in landfills.
Internet of Things thrown into landfills
Electronic devices used to have a long life span, but IoT devices only last a few years. The rapid accumulation of electronic waste is rapidly ending up in landfills, increasing their capacity.
E-waste cannot be biodegraded so facilities use open-air burning or acid baths. They do this to make landfills more accessible and recover valuable materials. These processes can release dangerous toxins into the atmosphere.
The Environmental Impact of Internet of Things Devices
If they are not properly disposed of, the IoT devices’ plastics and metals can have a negative impact on the environment. This applies to water, earth, plants, animals, and other natural resources.
Let’s now take a closer look at the many ways that IoT devices negatively impact the environment.
Battery disposal
Many IoT devices are powered by disposable batteries. Batteries that are not properly disposed of can release toxic chemicals into the soil. These toxins then find their way into our drinking water supply.
However, IoT devices which do not allow for the replacement of batteries can also have a negative impact on the environment. They can leach harmful materials into the environment after their short lives.
Toxic methods to extract materials
If the devices are not properly disposed of or recovered from, it can cause environmental damage. They release toxic chemicals into the air, soil and water, exposing anyone who is near them.
These chemicals could have an irreversible impact on your health. They may cause cancer, brain damage, miscarriages, or infertility.
Reduced Resources
Incorrectly disposing of IoT devices can also lead to the loss of precious resources. Electronics often use rare earth elements like cobalt, indium, and neodymium.
If you dispose of these materials improperly, you lose out on them, increasing the demand for more mining. This not only impacts the environment, but it is also costly.
What is the solution? Recycling your IoT devices.
How to properly recycle your Internet of Things devices
First, recycle your IoT devices using a trusted Recycling Facility. This will ensure that your data and environment are safe.
Also, certified recycling facilities will ensure that all your personal information is encrypted to protect against data theft. You can also be certain that the recycling and extraction of your electronics is environmentally friendly.
Climate Change slows down when recycling is done
The recycling facility will then take any reusable parts from your IoT devices. This is a great way to get it to technology companies for their manufacturing.
Manufacturers produce tons of CO2 when they make devices from scratch. However, manufacturers can reduce their carbon emissions by using recycled materials. This helps to slow down climate change.
eCycle Florida will recycle your Internet of Things devices
You know that improperly disposing of IoT devices can lead to data theft and environmental liability for your company. The best way to dispose of them is to recycle them with an electronics recycling company such as eCycle Florida.
Find your closest eCycle Florida to recycle your old or broken device. eCycle Florida will accept your Bluetooth devices and extenders if you are an IT professional or business owner.
This post was written by Steven Elia Co-Founder and Recycling Director at eCycle Florida. eCycle Florida is a R2 Certified electronics recycling company in the state of Florida. Our processes and procedures are dedicated to the proper destruction and recycling of your electronics. eCycle Florida is your go-to when looking for an electronic recycling center in Tampa. To learn more click here!
