Evolution of Technology and

Electronic Waste

Evolution of Technology and

Electronic WasteLindsey Mouchet Lindsey Mouchet

How Fast is Technology Changing?

How Fast is Technology Changing?

20101984

How Fast is Technology Changing?

How Fast is Technology Changing?

1991 2010

How Fast Is Technology Changing?

How Fast Is Technology Changing?

2001

2010

Where Do All Your Old Computers, Televisions, Ipods, and Cell Phones go?

Where Do All Your Old Computers, Televisions, Ipods, and Cell Phones go?

Electronic Waste LandfillsElectronic Waste Landfills

Statistics Statistics

Number Of Electronics Disposed in the United States in 2007

Televisions 26.9 MillionComputers 205.5 MillionCell Phones 140.3 Million

Number Of Electronics Disposed in the United States in 2007

Televisions 26.9 MillionComputers 205.5 MillionCell Phones 140.3 Million

Where are These Landfills Located?

Where are These Landfills Located?

In underdeveloped parts of countries like:

CHINAUnited States AfricaIndia

In underdeveloped parts of countries like:

CHINAUnited States AfricaIndia

Why Here? Why Here?

It is cheaper because there are no laws banning e-waste

imports

It is cheaper because there are no laws banning e-waste

imports

What Is In Your Computers?

What Is In Your Computers?

ExampleExample

Guiyu, located in China, is the largest electronic waste center in the world

Guiyu, located in China, is the largest electronic waste center in the world

Health Issues in GuiyuHealth Issues in Guiyu

In Guiyu, the children have 88% higher lead concentration in their blood than the average child

Most Guiyu citizens have neurological, respiratory, and nervous system problems

Guiyu’s water is full of discarded electronics so water has to be brought in from elsewhere

In Guiyu, the children have 88% higher lead concentration in their blood than the average child

Most Guiyu citizens have neurological, respiratory, and nervous system problems

Guiyu’s water is full of discarded electronics so water has to be brought in from elsewhere

Recycling Electronic Waste Recycling Electronic Waste

Some parts can be reused, others are still merely trash

Electronic waste still offers serious risk to recycle workers.

There is no safe way to get rid of electronic waste

Some parts can be reused, others are still merely trash

Electronic waste still offers serious risk to recycle workers.

There is no safe way to get rid of electronic waste