Electronic devices are everywhere today, from the phones in our pockets to the computers on our desks. If you work at a school you know that our education system is no different. Modern classrooms use a great deal of electronic devices like computers and digital boards for teaching. As the technology becomes broken or outdated however you should not just throw the old electronics out in the trash. Improper disposal of E-Waste has many negative impacts on the world, so your school should always do its best to ensure that proper recycling occurs.
What is E-Waste?
The term E-Waste is short for electronic waste, and in short it means any discarded electronic devices – anything with a cord, battery, chip, screen, etc. These electronic devices poses a significant pollution risk. Many of the components which make up the electronic devices in a classroom are made from toxic materials which can run off them into the ground if left in a landfill, while a significant portion of the structure of most devices is made of plastic and metal which do not decompose over time.
Teaching Green Principles
There is no greater responsibility for educators than teaching the students of a school to be a positive influence in the world after they graduate. Modeling positive behavior is a powerful way to help your students understand the right way to behave in their own lives. Starting up an E-Waste recycling program is a great way to teach responsibility and the importance of recycling to young students.
Not only does an E-Waste recycling program offer a chance to educate students about the importance and increased need for recycling electronics, but it can also make a broader point. By teaching the risks of throwing away old electronics you can also expand to explain how this applies to other recyclable materials like papers and plastics, as well.
Paying it Forward
Although in an ideal world students at every school would have the same opportunities the reality is that not all school districts are well funded and can afford to have state of the art technology at all times. Often more affluent schools will be discarding electronics which are still functional because they have acquired better, newer alternatives. When these products are turned in for recycling instead of thrown in the trash there is the opportunity for still-functional units to be passed on to those in need. Granting these products longer lives is not just great for the new users but for the environment, as well.
TechWaste Recycling directly services all of Southern California and provides pickup services to its schools, school districts, colleges and universities from across the country. Many schools have regular e-waste management programs in place that que TechWaste Recycling’s staff to provide routine pickups for electronic items that need to be discarded. Visit TechWaste Recycling’s website at www.techwasterecycling.com to schedule a pickup that works for your school’s convenience and schedule.
Learn more about TechWaste’s ewaste recycling process here: Electronic Recycling Services
Contact Info:
Richard Steffens
1940 E. Occidental street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 866-637-8469