Electronics Recycling
The electronics industry generates approximately $150 billion annually1, but also produces up to 50 million tons of waste every year. Much of the electronic waste, also known as e-waste, contains potentially valuable or potentially polluting materials that can be recycled where facilities exist.
Fast Facts
- In September of 2007, Sony began offering free recycling of its products2
- 20-50 million tons of electronics are discarded every year3
- Apple offers free iPod recycling at its retail stores4
- Dell offers free recycling of its products and allows users to donate used computer equipment to charity in exchange for a tax deduction5
- Approximately 21% of consumers recycle used electronics6
The UN Gets Involved
In 2008, The United Nations announced the The Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment (PACE), an organization dedicated to ensure that used electronics are disposed of safely. PACE hopes to work with various international agencies to developing guidelines for electronics recycling.7
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