Reducing the Problem of E-Waste by Sustainable Manufacturing Strategies
Electronic waste is waste that is discarded from electronic devices. It generally includes a mix of valuable materials, hazardous chemicals and basic heavy elements. It has been estimated that merely 20 percent of the e-waste around the world is recycled properly and the rest in dumped in landfills. This dumped electronic waste is capable of contaminating the surrounding environment. Thus, it is vital that we use services of electronic waste recycling and save ourselves and the environment from the burgeoning problem of electronic waste.
Consumers are needed to take the responsibility of recycling electronic waste. Nevertheless, manufacturers too can incorporate sustainable practices and recycling efforts to deal with the problem of electronic waste. This includes utilizing sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, implementing programs of recycling and opting for a circular economy.
Implementing programs of recycling
One method of combating electronic waste is by stopping the shipping of the waste to landfills overseas and creating in-house recycling programs. E-waste needs to be managed by manufacturers by reusing elements and using services of local electronic recycling. They can also make way for e-waste recycling by implementing recycling programs in their company and setting up designated bins for customers to bring their waste for recycling. The programs motivate customers to return broken or old products to their source where they can be responsibly recycled, stripped for valuable materials or refurbished.
Manufacturing ecologically sound products
It is vital that companies take steps to create products that are eco-friendly. Incorporating use of recyclable and eco-friendly materials is vital for decreasing the amount of generated e-waste. Sustainable manufacturing involves utilizing processes of manufacturing that reduce the negative environmental impacts and conserve natural resources and energy while keeping consumers, communities and employees safe. Manufacturers should have the onus for creating a smaller footprint on the environment.
Adopting a circular economy
The most efficient method of decreasing e-waste is adopting a circular economy. The goal of a circular economy is to eradicate electronic waste and the regular usage of resources. A system of closed loop is dependent on sharing, reusing, refurbishing, recycling and remanufacturing. In a circular economy, manufacturers are required to look for ways to reduce water and energy usage, waste generation and emissions, including electronic waste. The e-waste generated should be effectively handled with services of corporate electronic recycling.
With the evolvement of technology, machines and electronics are becoming obsolete quickly. Instead of disposing the old parts, companies need to look for ways of reusing the parts for further manufacturing. They need to implement frequent machinery life cycle so that companies can make sure that their machinery is operating in a proper manner and the processes they are utilizing are generating the least amount of waste. This technique of analysis concentrates on the environmental impact of all stages of the life of a product. Companies following the guideline need to go for a reconditioned part in the event of a failure of their equipment. This is not only good for the environment but also preserves the resources of the corporate in the long run.