You are all reading this blog on either your computer, laptop, tablet or phone. How old is that device? If it is newly bought, what did you do with the old one? If it is old, how are you planning to discard it once it stops working?

We all stop using our favourite electronics for multiple reasons. Below are a few of them,

• They just stop working
• Not compatible with the latest technology
• New version of the same device is now available with better features
• Broken screen or hardware

Whichever is your reason to discard your old electronics, you are contributing to E-waste. We all are generating e-waste… and on a very large scale…that too every day! This e waste or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) as it is rightly called, is a highly varied stream of hazardous waste. You are committing an environmental crime if you do not dispose it right. Let us tell you how.

Our electronics are made of various toxic and hazardous chemicals and materials. When it turns into E-waste and burnt, or left unattended, these chemicals can release in land, water and air.

Electrical waste include, but not limited to:

• IT and telecommunication equipment (mobile phones, printers etc).
• Temperature exchange equipment (air conditioners, freezers etc)
• Screens, monitors (TV, laptops etc)
• Lamps (LED, CFL etc)
• Large equipment (washing machines, electric stoves etc)
• Small equipment (microwave, electric shaver etc)

So to say, every second thing around us has the potential to turn into E waste. What can we do with it then? The answer is strong and simple…Recycle!