As the pros and cons of a “plugged in” generation continue to be debated, another crucial component of the discussion is centred around the life-cycle of the electronics that are driving our work and play: Where do our much-coveted electronics go once we find a “smarter” phone, a faster computer, a higher definition television?
Discarded electronics–whether at the end of their life or still reusable–are termed electronic waste or e-waste. While the percent of e-waste compared to total solid waste generated may appear minimal (around 2% in the US, 1% in Canada), e-waste is on the rise, as is the amount of recyclable electronics that are not being recycled. E-waste typically contains lead and other materials that can have adverse effects on ecological and human health. A fundamental social justice issue is also present, as cities in emerging or developing countries have come to play host to developed countries’ e-waste.
In addition to the various businesses and organizations that offer rewards for donating retired electronics as well as legislation to encourage e-waste recycling (e.g. New York City, Seattle, and Montreal), higher education institutions are taking a lead in curbing e-waste as well on their campuses. Campuses participating in AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Reporting System (STARS) receive a credit for having an e-waste recycling and/or reuse program in place.
Given the increasing interest among higher ed institutions to address e-waste, AASHE has launched a new member-only resource–E-waste Programs, Policies, and Events–to serve as a tool for campuses looking to start or expand on their own e-waste recycling initiatives. While some schools like Wheaton College have day-long events, others, including Drake College, have a designated term–the summer–during which e-waste is collected. Schools such as Bard College have institutionalized policies, and still others have created comprehensive programs to collect e-waste routinely throughout the year. A few examples of schools with such programs include University of Massachusetts (Amherst), which implemented in Spring 2011 an e-waste initiative consisting of collection bins placed in all 42 residence halls on campus. Additionally, entrepreneurial students at Babson College created a program such that the Babson Energy and Environmental Club (BEEC) receives some money for each electronic they collect and donate for resale in developing markets.
Students, faculty, and administrators thus have an opportunity to significantly reduce the ecological impact of their campus by ensuring that electronics are being diverted from the landfill in conjunction with private sector initiatives and municipal policies.
Have an e-waste initiative at your campus that should be in our resource? Email resources@aashe.org with the name of the school and a link to a page or article describing the initiative.
