GC: n
CT: Waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) such as computers, TV-sets, fridges and cell phones is one the fastest growing waste streams in the EU, with some 9 million tonnes generated in 2005, and expected to grow to more than 12 million tonnes by 2020.
WEEE is a complex mixture of materials and components that because of their hazardous content, and if not properly managed, can cause major environmental and health problems. Moreover, the production of modern electronics requires the use of scarce and expensive resources (e.g. around 10% of total gold worldwide is used for their production). To improve the environmental management of WEEE and to contribute to a circular economy and enhance resource efficiency the improvement of collection, treatment and recycling of electronics at the end of their life is essential.
S: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/index_en.htm (last access: 10 March 2016)
N: 1. Abbreviation: WEEE.
2. Electronic, or e-waste, refers to electronic products being discarded by consumers.
3. Waste is considered to be an uncountable noun. However, it is often found in the plural form (wastes), particularly when speaking of different types of waste.
4. E-waste, short for electronic waste, can be any outdated or obsolete appliance or electronic device found in offices, homes and pants pockets. Televisions, microwaves, computers and cell phones are all common examples of e-waste.
In this technology-driven age, the amount of e-waste is growing because the useful lifespan for devices and products is getting shorter and shorter. Consumer demand for “the next best” thing is increasing and companies are answering that demand by updating and improving devices and equipment quicker than ever before. In fact, the National Safety Council projects that nearly 250 million computers will become obsolete in the next five years and mobile phones are discarded at a rate of 130 million per year. (Source: RecycleIN.gov)
The question then becomes, “What do we do with all this stuff?”
The quick answer is call RecyleForce. Our team ensures that every item we take is disposed of in a safe and environmentally conscious way.
S: 1. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/index_en.htm (last access: 10 March 2016) (last access: 10 March 2016). 2 & 3. TERMIUM PLUS (last access: 10 March 2016). 4. Reclycleforce.org – http://goo.gl/M2isb5 (last access: 05.03.2016) (last access: 10 March 2016).
SYN: electrical and electronic waste, e-waste.
S: WHO – http://goo.gl/HmHfS4 (last access: 5 March 2016); TERMIUM PLUS (last access: 10 March 2016).
CR: ecology, environment, household waste recycling centre, municipal solid waste, planned obsolescence, recycling, sustainable development, waste.
