Electronic recycling in the us, why is it important to our future Research Paper

Electronic recycling in the us, why is it important to our future - Research Paper Example Data by the Consumer Electronics Association indicate that each American household own about 24 electronic products. As such, there is large volume of electronic waste, which poses serious dangers to the environment. It is for this reason that there have been increased efforts to recycle electronic products in the US. Environmental experts argue that continuing increase in the recycling rates in the US will help the country to pull out of the electronic garbage heap and minimize global warming emissions (Natural Resources Defense Council para 2). This paper will discuss electronic recycling in the US, as well as why it is important to the country’s future. The industry of electronic recycling has evolved to become an increasingly critical part of the environmental sustainability management program (Lee para 3). Individuals, corporations, and government agencies have enhanced their focus in addressing environmental and sustainability management issues. Electronic recycling has consequently, become a critical part of this trend. Recycling is a major step in a full loop of practices that will reduce the quantity of waste that goes to landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Natural Resources Defense Council para 3). Electronic recycling involves more than bundling up electronic materials. Manufacturers are required to use recycled materials in making their products. Similarly, consumers should purchase products made from post-consumer recycled materials. The more the demand for products made with recycled materials rather than virgin materials is increased, the more successful recycling will be at curbing global warming and saving natural resources. Electronic recycling not only extends the valuable products’ lives, but also prevents valuable materials from becoming wastes (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency para 2). The society now has many recycling options. Many manufacturers of electronic goods such as TV, computer and cell phones and ret ailers of these products sponsor recycling events and offer some form of take back program. It should be noted that nearly half of states in America presently have laws on recycling and disposal of electronics and a number of other states are considering passage of similar laws (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency para 2). Discarded electronics including broken cell phones, old computers, and obsolete TV sets form the fastest- growing element of the US waste stream. It is estimated that Americans threw away about 2 million tons of electronic trash in the year 2005 and recycled about 38,000 tons only (Natural Resources Defense Council para 8). This points out to the danger that US is faced with going to the future. The problem is further compounded by the fact that there is no national e-waste law. However, some individual states have put in place laws that require recycling of electronics waste, and for designing of more recyclable and less toxic gadgets. Electronic recycling has s ignificant benefits to the US society and enhancing of this program will present the country with more benefits. It helps to extend the lives of electronic products and therefore keeping them out of the waste stream for much longer time. In addition, it allows lower-income families, non-profit organizations, and schools to obtain equipment that they may not have been able to afford (U.S. Environment