October 14 is International E-Waste Day! The Office of Sustainability is celebrating by focusing on the proper disposal of e-waste in the month of October. But what is e-waste?
E-waste, or electronic waste, is any type of electronic that is no longer working or wanted. Electronics includes items that use batteries or electricity. Because of the chemicals and materials used when making electronics, e-waste has to be disposed of properly.
E-waste does not belong in the landfill, recycling, or compost. When e-waste is disposed of improperly and ends up in a landfill, it releases toxic chemicals that are harmful to both human health and the environment. The toxins released have been found to cause cancer, neurological damages, and miscarriages. E-waste has environmental justice impacts as well. Marginalized communities that live next to landfills are disproportionally affected by the toxins that e-waste leaks into the surrounding environment.
Improper E-Waste Recycling Practices Are Harmful
E-waste collected at Mout Zion.
To properly dispose of e-waste, it must be recycled by a specialized e-waste vendor. But, not all e-waste recyclers are created equal. E-waste recycler vendors often send e-waste to overseas countries, exporting the burden of e-waste toxins. Many countries that receive e-waste from the United States lack the capacity to safely process the immense amounts of e-waste being imported. Strategies like open-air burning and acid baths are used to separate valuable materials, which is harmful to both the planet and the workers. Instead, e-waste should be disposed of by responsible e-waste recycling vendors to ensure toxins are not being passed off to others.
So what should UCSF staff do with their e-waste? UCSF hosts monthly free e-waste disposal events that rotate through the three medical centers. We partner with e-waste recycling vendors that are vetted and use ethical business practices, processing e-waste in the United States. Staff are encouraged to save up UCSF e-waste in containers located in soiled utility rooms or unit leadership offices until it can be disposed of properly at one of these events. Storage bins should be labeled “Universal Waste-Electronic Devices” and have a place to label the accumulation start date (download the label). Search “e-waste” on the UCSF Events Calendar for upcoming event details.
You can also contact UCSF Supply Chain Management – Logistics at (415) 502-6245 to schedule a pickup if you have oversized e-waste or cannot wait for the next free disposal event. If you have working computer peripherals and want to give your equipment another life before being tossed, UCSF also has an Equipment Reuse Program. For more information on e-waste collection at UCSF Health, visit the E-Waste Resource Page.
Marginalized communities that live next to landfills are disproportionally affected by the toxins that e-waste leaks into the surrounding environment.
