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e-waste Last modified: Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Short for electronic waste. The term e-waste is applied to all waste caused by discarding electronic devices, especially consumer electronics. E-waste is a major concern in areas of personal computing and wireless devices that are quickly discarded by consumers. The lifespan of these electronics are short-lived due to rapid technological advances and lower costs to purchase each year. Consumers generally buy new instead of reusing because their electronic device quickly becomes obsolete or it may be cheaper to purchase new. Inkjet printers are one example of a common e-waste problem as consumers believe they can save money to purchase a new printer with ink than to buy ink refill for their old one.

Electronic Waste Guide A knowledge base for the sustainable recycling of e-waste. National Recycling Coalition's Electronics Recycling Initiative The goal of the NRC's Electronics Recycling Initiative is to promote the recovery, reuse and recycling of obsolete electronic equipment, and to encourage the design, manufacture and purchase of environmentally responsible electronic equipment. Wired News: Dark Side of Digital Age The United States generates more e-waste than any other nation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. More than 4.6 million tons of it entered U.S. landfills in 2000, and that amount is projected to grow fourfold in the next few years.