In the UK, millions of electronic devices – from old phones and computers to refrigerators and printers – are thrown away every year. These are referred to as ‘e-waste’ and sadly, half a billion unwanted electronics end up in landfills as a result of incorrect and careless electronic disposal.
E-waste is one of the world’s fastest-growing waste streams. However, it is full of complexities that have many individuals and corporations confused. So, in this article we seek to dismantle this often-mistical process, helping you understand how e-waste recycling works and what really happens during the e-waste recycling process.
Let’s get started.
Electronics Collection and Sorting
E-waste is strictly regulated in the UK by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. The purpose of this directive is to ensure that old and unwanted electronics are responsibly collected, treated, and disposed of. Here’s what that process looks like:
Once your e-waste has been collected by WEEE Collections, it is transported to a specialist sorting facility. Here the items are sorted by type, for example:
- Household appliances
- Large white goods
- Lighting
- IT equipment
- Electronics still in working order
By sorting electronic waste in this way, recycling facilities can determine the best next steps for each item. For example, electronics still in working order might be diverted to charities or reuse schemes to give them a second chance at life – supporting a circular economy.
Safe Removal of Hazardous Components
Did you know that many electronic items contain hazardous materials? Most phones contain materials such as mercury, lead, and precious metals. When these materials are thrown away they end up in landfills, polluting our environment and posing a serious risk to human health.
Disposing of e-waste correctly means electronics are dismantled by specialist workers who safely remove hazardous components for safe processing. This reduces risks to the environment and human health, ensuring the correct parts are recycled and that this process happens safely.
Mechanical Processing and Destruction
Once the hazardous materials have been removed from the electronics, the recyclable parts can be safely sent through the shredding machines. These machines are specifically designed to break recyclable materials down into smaller pieces. In doing so, they often expose reusable materials such as metals, plastic and glass that can be extracted and recycled for reuse in new products.
Exporting Overseas
With the amount of e-waste produced in the UK, it’s no surprise that some materials are exported overseas for further processing or treatment. Sometimes, this is due to the sheer volume of e-waste or because other countries have more advanced refining facilities for extracting the precious metals and materials found in old electronics.
Supporting a Circular Economy
Ultimately, the goal of e-waste recycling is to support a circular economy. This means repurposing old electronics (or the materials within these electronics) rather than simply throwing them away. For example, precious metals extracted from old devices can be recycled and used in the production of new electronics, plastics can be used to make new packaging, and unwanted but usable electronics can be reused.
In Conclusion
At Priority WEEE, we are extremely passionate about electronic recycling and ensuring electronics are disposed of in a safe and responsible manner. As you can see, when you recycle your old or unwanted electronics correctly, they go through a detailed process of sorting, safe dismantling, shredding, and material recovery that helps to protect the environment and support the economy.
When you prioritise recycling responsibly, you’re not just getting rid of old or unwanted electronics, you are protecting the environment, human health, and ultimately supporting a circular economy.
