Electronic Waste

Electronic waste has been defined in several different ways, depending on who is framing the problem and what aspects of the issue they are trying to highlight. Some definitions focus on all electronic surpluses (not being used), some focus on the amount of discarded materials and products that are environmentally harmful, while still, others use a combination of these parameters and integrate a component of the producer’s responsibility and accountability. The point is that electronic waste comes in many different forms and fashions and in reality; this is an evolving concept due to its relationship with technological innovation on the production end.  In other words, as technological advancements continue to proliferate, there are inevitable byproducts that must be properly handle and disposed of.  When there is new hardware involved with the innovation, there will always be the eventual decision and work that arises around what to do when the product becomes obsolete or it is ‘necessary’ for the product to be upgraded or refreshed.