Why isn’t there a deposit on phones? – The dangers of electronic waste during the waste reduction week

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a global problem that presents increasingly serious challenges for environmental protection and sustainability efforts. With the rapid advancement of modern technology, more and more electronic devices become obsolete, making proper management crucial. Young people, particularly those in the 16–24 age group, are important players in driving changes in e-waste management due to their intensive use of electronic devices. 

With this article, we aim to highlight the issues of e-waste, present the current situation, and offer alternatives to reduce environmental burdens. 

Consumer society, along with rapid technological development, has brought about a behavior where we tend to replace our electronic devices much more frequently. When they break down, our instinctive reaction is not to repair them but to replace them. Following societal patterns, if most people around us frequently replace these products, this behavior becomes instinctive on an individual level as well. 

What are the specific dangers of e-waste management? 

The global amount of e-waste is continuously growing, posing a serious threat to both the environment and human health. In 2019, 53.6 million tons of e-waste were generated worldwide, but only 17.4% of it was properly collected and recycled. By 2022, this number reached a record 62 million tons, and projections indicate it could rise to 82 million tons by 2030, which represents a 32% increase. This volume is equivalent to filling Lake Balaton with e-waste over 12 meters high. 

E-waste poses problems not only because of its quantity but also due to the hazardous materials it contains. People living in areas exposed to e-waste are subject to high concentrations of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Children and pregnant women are particularly at risk, as exposure to these harmful substances can severely impact the functioning of various biological systems and organs. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to toxic materials found in e-waste can lead to DNA damage, immune system disorders, and oxidative stress. In addition, developmental disorders, especially those occurring during fetal development, are also linked to e-waste exposure. 

Fortunately, the solution to this problem may lie in what largely causes it: money. The e-waste management market is a rapidly growing sector, and it is expected to reach a value of $67.51 billion USD by 2024, increasing to $190.8 billion USD by 2032. This demonstrates that addressing the issue of e-waste management is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity. 

Our own research examined the habits of young people 

Awareness of e-waste management and the presence of unused devices were key aspects of our survey. Among the 143 respondents, more than 88% had unused electronic devices at home, highlighting that a significant number of households face this issue. According to the results, the most commonly accumulated devices were mobile phones, laptops, and desktop computers, reflecting the rapid obsolescence of modern technology and lifestyle. Particularly, laptops (52) and mobile phones (60) dominated the list of accumulated devices, which can pose a significant environmental burden if not properly handled. 

The respondents’ knowledge of e-waste disposal options also produced interesting results. The awareness of battery collection centers and e-waste drop-off points was widespread (139 and 119 responses), whereas fewer people were familiar with collection bins specifically for used mobile phones (48 responses). This indicates that while there are available options for managing e-waste, information regarding mobile phone recycling does not always reach consumers. 

Our age-based analysis revealed that different media platforms vary in their effectiveness at reaching people. For instance, the 14-23 age group found public service media to be less effective than older individuals did, whereas initiatives by civil organizations were positively received across all age groups. Interestingly, tabloid media received lower ratings in all age groups, suggesting that people tend to rely more on credible, professional sources for information. 

Our research also highlighted that respondents believed the most effective tools for encouraging e-waste management were civil organization initiatives (69 responses) and municipal programs (60 responses). This suggests that society places more trust in local and community-based solutions than in larger, national media campaigns. 

And what can be done the electronic devices that have accumulated at home? 

Just because we no longer use a phone, tablet, laptop, hairdryer, or speaker because we received a new one for Christmas, or bought the latest gadget after getting a raise, doesn’t mean that these old devices can’t be given a second chance or at least be disposed of consciously. Here are a few potential solutions: 

Recycling: The environmentally conscious choice 

Instead of throwing away outdated household appliances, it’s important to ensure they are properly recycled. Many electronic devices contain materials (such as heavy metals) that can harm the environment if not handled correctly. Find local electronic waste collection points where these devices can be recycled professionally, helping reduce your ecological footprint. 

Donation: Give others a chance! 

A household appliance might still be functional, even if it feels outdated to you. In such cases, consider donating! Organizations and foundations gladly accept working electronic devices, which they can pass on to families in need, schools, or other communities. These devices can get a second life, and you can help someone in the process. 

Refurbishment or repair: Fix it and keep using it! 

If an old device breaks down, don’t throw it away right away! In many cases, a small repair or replacement part can make it functional again. Visit a professional service center, or if you have the skills, try fixing the problem yourself. Repairing electronic devices is a sustainable alternative and can also save you money. You can find repair options on the Beeco map, which lists many repair services along with other eco-friendly services: https://www.beeco.hu/terkep 

Upcycling: Creative recycling 

Upcycling, or the creative transformation of items, is a great way to give your old devices a new function. For example, an old toaster can be turned into an interesting decoration, or an outdated radio can be converted into a vintage-style speaker. You can find plenty of inspiration online, and you can even start your creative transformations on your own. 

Selling: Cash for outdated devices 

If a device is still working but no longer needed by you, try selling it! Online marketplaces and community groups offer excellent opportunities to sell devices that may still be useful to others. Not only can you make some money, but you can also help others by offering cheaper, used devices. 

Eco-friendly disposal 

When there’s no other option and a device is beyond repair, ensure proper recycling through selective waste collection. Local waste management centers regularly organize electronic waste collection days where you can safely dispose of these devices. Alternatively, if you want to return batteries, you can use the collection point located at the Corvinus University’s main building, directly next to the stairs. Never throw these devices into general waste as it can harm the environment. 

Managing old, outdated household electronic devices is not only important for protecting the environment but also for making responsible decisions. Recycling, donating, repairing, upcycling, or selling are all options that help reduce waste production and lead to a more sustainable lifestyle. 

From individual to community level 

Of course, communities are made up of individuals, but sometimes it’s easier when a power entrusted with the coordination of a community, such as local governments or the state, steps in to help manage issues. In what ways can we further promote the conscious management of electronic waste? 

• Introducing a point collection system: To motivate people, a local point collection system could be suggested, where points are earned for returning electronic devices, which can then be redeemed for discounts or gifts. This could encourage the public to recycle their old devices instead of letting them gather dust at home. 

• Regular bulk waste and e-waste collection: It is essential that local governments regularly organize events where people can safely dispose of their electronic waste. These programs, held several times a year, provide an effective way to collect and recycle unwanted devices. 

• Deposit on devices: The concept of a deposit for a 50-forint plastic bottle is still something many are adjusting to, but think about this: what if, to prevent a battery-powered device from ending up next to banana peels in the trash, we imposed a deposit on electronic devices? When purchasing a device, consumers would pay a surcharge proportional to the selling price, which they would only get back if they properly disposed of the device when it’s no longer needed. Of course, this solution would raise many unanswered questions, but it’s not a bad idea to consider. 

Successful examples from other countries can also inspire local solutions. In Norway, for instance, a support system is successfully in place, where people receive financial incentives in exchange for returning collected electronic devices, significantly increasing participation. Additionally, several countries, such as Germany, boast stricter regulations and higher recycling rates when it comes to e-waste management infrastructure. 

Hopefully, this article has shed light on how we can appropriately address the dangers posed by e-waste if we approach the issue with a bit more awareness. It is in our collective interest to lead a conscious lifestyle, and in this case, even our wallets will thank us for acting as responsible citizens. 

In November 2024, the Sustainability Theme of the Month project will continue, this time focusing on waste reduction. To mark European Week for Waste Reduction 18-24 November, we are sharing again a project article written by our students on electronic waste. What a zero-waste future looks like, what we can do ourselves and what events we can take part in this month are covered in this article. And on the second life of products and the circular economy, we recommend this recent article. We still welcome ideas and activities related to this topic at mate.kovacs2@uni-corvinus.hu.   

Authors: András Biró, Márton Csiki-Mara, Dániel Damján, Előd Gubcsi, Olivér Prezenszki