When we talk about e-waste, it’s not just a pile of junk by the coast or an iPhone swimming along the riverside. It’s more than that. And if you’ve ever tossed a device without recycling, it might just be out there, swimming alongside that iPhone.
E-Waste: The Growing Tech Problem and How We Can Help Solve It
Personally speaking, I could probably imagine getting through a day without food, but going without my phone? Not a chance. And I believe most of us feel the same—whether it’s our phones, laptops, or tablets, we’re all incredibly tech-driven. But what happens when these devices reach the end of their life cycle? Far too often, they end up in landfills (and promise it’s not a pretty picture), contributing to the growing issue of e-waste. But the good news is that we can all do something about it.
What Is E-Waste?
E-waste refers to discarded electronics—everything from old phones and broken laptops to outdated TVs and worn-out headphones. These devices contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into the soil and water, causing long-term environmental harm. Global e-waste generation hit a record high of 62 million tones in 2022, but a shockingly low 22.3% of it was properly recycled (Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 report), while the rest is often improperly disposed of, harming ecosystems and communities alike.
While the issue might seem like it’s happening somewhere in a far-off land, the reality is that e-waste affects all of us. It’s particularly relevant in places like the UK, being the 2nd largest contributor to e-waste, where tech consumption is high. Especially in a place like Bristol, considering the high population of students, this issue hits close to home. (FixMyTek offers University of Bristol and University of West of England students an easy way to recycle old tech. Trade in your devices, and we’ll repurpose them through refurbishing and recycling ).
Why E-Waste Is a Growing Concern
But when we mention high tech consumption, what does it mean? Do we want you to use less of your phone? Well, not exactly; we want you to use it for a longer period of time and wisely.
The increasing integration of technology into our everyday lives has led to shorter tech life cycles. People are now more likely to replace their phones, laptops, and other devices faster than ever, often at the first sign of a minor problem or when something becomes “outdated.” For instance, have you ever thrown away a phone just because it had a minor problem with the camera quality or because Apple announced the launch of a new iPhone, even though repairing the old one could have been an option? Guilty!
This throwaway culture not only adds to e-waste but also increases the demand for more resources to make new devices. With technology becoming very affordable and shopping for it as easy as buying a new pair of jeans, we often love to treat ourselves to a brand new device instead of opting for sustainable tech repair or recycling the ones we already have. However, this mindset has severe environmental consequences.
Contributing Less to E-Waste: What We Can Do
Here’s a list of five simple practices from FixMyTek that not only help keep your tech out of landfills but also saves you money.
Prioritizing Repairs Over Replacement
Instead of giving up on phones and laptops with minor issues, tech repair services offer a great way to extend the lifespan of your tech. Whether it’s a cracked screen or a malfunctioning battery, most problems can be effectively fixed without the need to buy new devices. This not only helps reduce waste but also lowers the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transporting new products.
Additionally, repairing a device instead of replacing it decreases the demand for raw materials and reduces energy consumption during production. It also prevents harmful toxins from entering the environment when devices are improperly disposed of.
Recycling Electronics
Proper e-waste recycling is key, and it’s very much on trend, we might add! It ensures that valuable materials inside old devices—like metals, plastics, and rare minerals—are recovered and reused. Plus, it keeps hazardous materials out of landfills, where they can leach into the ground and contaminate our water supply, causing serious harm to the environment.
Overall, recycling electronic devices helps conserve natural resources, reduces the need for mining, and limits the energy required to create new products. It also prevents toxic substances from harming ecosystems. So, it’s a win-win situation for everyone! To recycle, you can trade in your device to charities or hand it over to a recycling agency or tech repair business like us, so they can take care of the recycling for you.
Buying Refurbished Devices
Choosing refurbished phones involves restoring used electronics to their original working condition, offering them as a sustainable tech alternative to purchasing new devices. For consumers, opting for a refurbished device is an eco-friendly option that also provides financial savings.
When you choose a refurbished device, you contribute to a cycle that reduces the demand for new products. This means less extraction of raw materials and a significant decrease in the energy needed for manufacturing. Additionally, refurbishing helps keep perfectly functional devices out of landfills, minimizing waste and promoting a more circular economy. (Interested? Take a look at our range of refurbished devices and see how cool sustainable tech can be)
Take Care of Your Device
Your device’s battery is usually the first thing to wear out, but a few simple habits can help. Avoid overcharging, close apps you aren’t using, and lower your screen brightness to extend battery life. Regular maintenance is important, too—make sure to clean dust from vents, keep your software updated, and run virus scans.
Don’t wait for your device to break down; taking care of it can help it last longer and reduce the need for replacements. Also, it’s easy to get excited about new tech, but often a quick software update or minor fix can give your current device a fresh start, saving you money and cutting down on waste.
Invest in Quality
When it comes to tech, investing in high-quality devices and accessories can pay off in the long run. Durable products are more likely to stand the test of time, meaning fewer replacements and less e-waste. While it may seem like a bigger upfront cost, choosing reliable devices and accessories, such as headphones or speakers, will reduce the frequency of purchases and repairs. By opting for quality, you’ll enjoy a better experience while contributing to a more sustainable tech ecosystem.
At last, the impact of e-waste isn’t going away, but by making smarter, more sustainable choices, we can all help reduce its impact. Whether it’s repairing instead of replacing, recycling old gadgets, or buying refurbished tech, small changes can make a big difference.
At FixMyTek, we’re committed to tackling this issue, but we can’t do it alone. By adopting more responsible tech habits, we can work together toward a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.
As a business in tech repair, it is crucial for us to share knowledge about e-waste and the steps individuals can take to reduce it. Whether through workshops, blog posts, or educational resources, spreading awareness helps shift the culture toward more sustainable practices—check out more on our Instagram!
By educating ourselves and our communities, we empower everyone to engage in sustainable tech use. So, hit the share button on this blog and sign up for our email newsletter for more reads on keeping your tech and the planet running smoothly!
