E-Waste: The Growing Problem in East Yorkshire and How You Can Make a Difference
We’re all aware of the growing impact technology has on our lives, but what happens when our devices become obsolete? In East Yorkshire, the rise of e-waste—discarded electronics like laptops, phones, and office equipment—has become a pressing issue that many businesses and individuals are still overlooking.
E-Waste by the Numbers
In the UK alone, around 1.45 million tonnes of e-waste are generated annually. That’s roughly 23.9kg per person. This places the UK among the top e-waste producers per capita worldwide. East Yorkshire, with its mix of rural and urban populations, contributes significantly to this growing pile of electronic waste.
A study by the United Nations University found that only 17.4% of global e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2019. The rest? It ended up in landfills, incinerators, or worse—shipped to developing countries where it’s dismantled under unsafe conditions.
Why Should East Yorkshire Businesses Care?
As technology evolves, businesses in places like Hull, York, and the wider East Riding are upgrading their IT infrastructure at a rapid pace. Unfortunately, with those upgrades comes an increase in unused or outdated hardware that’s either collecting dust or heading to the bin. This leads to two serious problems:
- Environmental Damage: E-waste contains hazardous materials like mercury, lead, and cadmium. When disposed of improperly, these materials can seep into the soil and water, contaminating our local environment.
- Data Security Risks: Many devices still hold sensitive data even after they’ve been decommissioned. Businesses across East Yorkshire need to take data destruction seriously, or they risk exposing themselves to data breaches and legal liabilities.
The Ripple Effect: Local Communities and Global Impact
When e-waste isn’t properly handled, the damage extends far beyond your business. Toxic materials leach into the earth, harming wildlife and even local agriculture—two pillars of East Yorkshire’s rural economy. This has a knock-on effect on our communities, environment, and ultimately our global ecosystem.
Recycling just one million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the electricity used by 3,500 UK homes in a year. Now, imagine the positive impact if every business in East Yorkshire took action on their e-waste!
What Can You Do?
The good news is, tackling e-waste doesn’t have to be complicated. With services like secure data destruction and e-waste recycling available through System Plus, your business can responsibly dispose of old electronics while ensuring that sensitive data is securely erased.
By taking a proactive approach to e-waste, you not only help protect the environment but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for East Yorkshire.