We are fast moving towards the future of e-waste recycling. With the constant evolution of technology and the world shifting its focus to sustainability in all aspects of work and play, big changes are afoot. And we’re excited to see how these changes will transform the future of electronics recycling.
Let’s take a look at what electronics recycling could look like in the future.
1. Advanced Technologies for Sorting and Recycling
Did you know, according to a recent survey of 2,000 adults, “a whopping four in 10 are left scratching their heads when it comes to recycling, with nearly half (47%) finding it tricky to distinguish between recyclable and non-recyclable items.”
Advanced technologies will look to change this issue in the future. Tech solutions like robots and artificial intelligence will sort waste items instead of humans, delivering more efficient and accurate results. This will speed up the recycling process, ensure sorting is carried out correctly, and protect waste workers from inhaling toxic fumes.
2. Better Material Recovery Methods
Our old electronic devices are full of rare earth minerals and resources such as gold, tin, platinum, and more. To carry out IT recycling correctly and sustainably, these precious materials must be removed before items can be recycled. This avoids environmental damage as well as risk to human health.
However, removing these materials is difficult and can be extremely damaging to human health in the process. With more advanced material recovery techniques such as hydrometallurgical processes and biobleaching, the future of IT recycling will make material recovery faster, easier, and safer.
3. Global Onboarding and Standardisation
With government policies obligating businesses to adhere to strict e-waste recycling guidelines, the future means global onboarding and standardisation of e-waste recycling. And the good news is that when everyone is on the same page and working together, change happens faster.
With global onboarding and standardisation, environmental protection, public health, and resource conservation all increase. And greater awareness comes as a byproduct.
This means more people know and understand the importance of proper e-waste management and, therefore, they’re equipped with the knowledge needed to make a real difference.
4. A Greater Focus on Transparency and Traceability
Businesses want greater transparency from e-waste companies about how and where e-waste is being recycled. They want to better understand the process, how e-waste is sorted and handled, and where it ends up.
While e-waste transparency and traceability is increasing across the industry, the future will require e-waste providers to give businesses detailed information about their recycling processes, certifications, and environmental impact.
5. Selecting Local E-Waste Recyclers
One of the emerging trends in the world of e-waste recycling is the localisation of recycling services. More and more businesses want to deal with their recycling needs locally to:
- Better understand e-waste recycling in their local community
- Reduce environmental e-waste transportation costs
Recycling within the local community will certainly be more achievable in the future as robust, tech-fueled services make recycling more accessible and widespread.
Final Words
As you can see, the future of electronics recycling is coming. Hopefully it will mean better things for our planet, our health, and our economy. For more information about e-waste – including recycling tips and tricks – check out our blog.
