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Unused electronics devices contain a treasure trove of valuable chemicals which we need to recycle.
A report suggests that there are 40 million unused electronic devices lying around not used in British homes. Most owners are not aware that the devices contain rare earth elements which could be recycled. Old gadgets such as old mobile phones, games consoles, laptops, TVs and E-readers contain a treasure trove of valuable chemicals. These chemicals are increasingly endangered. Natural sources of six of the elements found in mobile phones are expected to run out in the next 100 years. Many people said they had no plans to recycle even though they did not use their devices anymore. But many said knowing about the crisis would make them more likely to recycle their old devices. RSC’s chief executive said the action is needed now from governments, manufacturers, and retailers to make reuse and recycling much easier. We must also enable a new generation of chemistry talent to help. “The UK has a tremendous opportunity to become a world leader in this and set an example for other nations to follow.
Other reasons for recycling is that unused devices often contain conflict elements such as tin, gold, tungsten, and tantalum which are mined in areas where war and child labour are often a routine part of their mining.
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