The best way for citizens to be ‘green’ is to focus on the first R of Reduce, Re-use, Recycle (i.e. Reduce). The Junk N Dump team have put together some tips on reducing your e-waste by electronic recycling.

Why Focus On Reducing Items?

The items we take to e-waste experts have all the data wiped off the computers, hard drives and memory cards. These items are then refurbished for resale or donation, dismantled for parts and reused, and the rest is recycled.

Reducing the consumption of these items without compromising too much convenience is important because electronic devices need rare materials, representing massive amounts of embodied energy. Focusing on reducing consumption supports the conservation of resources and limits the volume of energy we remove from the planet.

Reusing mobile phone materials alone, like precious metals and plastics, versus producing more or mining them will conserve energy equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 24,000 homes.

A typical first world home is estimated to have 24 pieces of electronic equipment, and up to 50 million metric tons of electronic waste is disposed of annually. That volume would fill 21 football stadiums! This is why it is essential to focus on reducing first, thereby reducing your electronic recycling.

Steps To Reducing Electronic Recycling

Re-evaluate: Before buying an item, think twice. Is that extra electronic item really necessary? Is it a seven-day wonder? Is there another device that offers multiple functions?

Care: Care for your devices to give them maximum longevity. Buy protective covers, tempered glass covers or cases, follow manufacturers cleaning recommendations, keep your device clean, only use brand-name chargers to power your devices and do not overcharge them.

Ethical choices: As with anything you buy nowadays, make ethical choices when shopping and choose environmentally-friendly devices. Look for Eco, Energy Star or EPEAT labels.

The Next R – Reuse

This step can be done via Junk N Dump because our electronic recycling experts refurbish equipment that is sold or donated to organisations in need, such as safe places for people suffering from domestic violence, environment-focused groups and child protection organisations.

Contact us to help save the planet by electronic recycling!