When electronic products are thrown away or disposed of, environmentally harmful chemicals, such as beryllium, cadmium, mercury and lead, can leak from metals in the electronics.
An estimated hundreds of millions of tons of e-waste end up in landfills yearly, according to the United Nations.
E-waste items include home appliances, communications and information technology devices, home entertainment devices, electronic utilities and office and medical equipment.
Recycling works by collecting and shredding e-waste, which is then used in the creation of new electronic products. By converting e-waste—and the many nonrenewable resources used in the production of electronics—into new uses, recycling can result in environmental, economic and health benefits.
What is ERIE Doing About e-Waste?
ERIE participated in e-waste collections in Erie, Pittsburgh and Murrysville, Pennsylvania as well as Wisconsin.
Cascade Asset Management, in accordance with the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling, processed all computer and electronic equipment collected during these events.
Environmental Impacts of e-Recycling Events
A total of four tons of carbon was saved during the events, equivalent to:
- The power required for 10 typical U.S. homes
- Removing three passenger cars on the road for one year
- Solid waste generated by three U.S. households in one year
- Manufacturing 44 refrigerators using primary materials
- Reducing air emissions by 24 metric tons
Social and environmental responsibility is an important initiative at ERIE. By committing ourselves to environmentally conscious efforts such as e-waste recycling, ERIE makes a positive impact on our physical world.
Environmental impact is just one of three key areas of focus at ERIE. To learn more, visit our Giving Network page.
