Student Sustainability Journal for the 21st Century
The E-Waste Problem: A Case Study of Apple
by Finn Beckett-Hester , GLOBUS Correspondent
According to a UN report , electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing form of domestic waste globally, with around 50 million metric tonnes being produced in 2019 alone, of which only 20% was recycled. This is environmentally and socially problematic. E-waste contains an array of toxic substances including lead, mercury, and brominated flame retardants, the disposal of which consists primarily of landfill deposition and incineration. These practices posit major contamination risks, such as leachates which can percolate into groundwater, and the release of toxic gases into the atmosphere. Kiddee et al. provide s a case study on the uneven political economy of disposal, with estimates that some 80% of e-waste produced in developed nations, who produce the most waste, is exported to developing nations such as Thailand who bear the brunt of the social and environmental externalities. The research illustrated the physiological impacts caused by this exposure on those living in the region, such as higher blood cadmium levels contributing to irreversible impacts on the kidneys. Not only does the production of e-waste have devastating environmental and social impacts, it is also incredibly wasteful economically. The UN estimates that 7% of the world’s gold may be contained in e-waste, with 100 times more gold in a tonne of e-waste than in gold ore. These are precious and non-replenishable resources. Therefore, the current e-waste problem poses a major obstacle to equitable and sustainable development. Due to the primacy of private business in global production there must be a combined effort between the public and private sector. This article will use Apple as a case study to look at what is being done to reduce e-waste and where improvements can be made.
Apple is the most valuable technology company in the world with a market capitalisation of over 2 trillion USD. Inevitably, this means that Apple plays a large role in the production and management of e-waste, and like most other companies vying for a sustainable representation, is attempting to greenwash its appearance to follow the zeitgeist. Apple’s flawless website presents an array of statistics and statements illustrating its commitment to environmental sustainability, which are indeed impressive, albeit not without flaws.
Apple has one of the most aggressive environmental agendas in the industry, which is to be carbon neutral by 2030, meaning that each product it produces will have a net-zero impact on the environment as part of a circular economy. Apple has already taken a number of steps to achieve this goal, the first of which is a holistic recycling programme , that recycles tin, cobalt and utilises carbon-free aluminium. Secondly, Apple is investing in research and development to aid in recycling, the outcome of this is Daisy , a robot that went into operation in 2018 which disassembles old smartphones and tablets to extract their materials. Daisy dismantles at a rate of 200 iPhone per hour. However, there is only one Daisy in existence, meaning it is more of a PR stunt and greenwashing initiative that a practical and comprehensive solution. Thirdly, as of 2018, Apple’s global facilities are 100% powered by renewable energy sources , an incredibly impressive feat which undoubtedly sets an example for other companies to follow. Finally, and unlike its Android counterparts, Apple ensures that its older devices receive software support and updates for many years. For example, the iPhone 6S, released in 2015, received the latest iOS 14 update in 2020. MacOS Big Sur is also supported for MacBooks 2013 onwards. This means that as long as the hardware survives, you can expect your Apple device to receive updates for an extended period compared to the competition.
Apple’s latest attempt at embedding sustainable practices into its business model came with the launch of iPhone 12. In the October 13 th Keynote , Apple stated that it would be removing the power brick and wired headphones from its packaging. The rationale behind this is (i) that some two billion power bricks are already in existence; (ii) most people already have or use wireless headphones; (iii) and finally a smaller box would enable 70% more iPhones to be shipped at any one time. Prima facie, this is a substantial move towards reducing e-waste. It is likely that this move will be reflected, where possible, throughout Apple’s line-up, evident with the lack of a power brick in Apple’s AirPods Max which were released on December 15 th 2020.
However, this facet of Apple’s rebranding as a sustainable, environmentally friendly corporation is an example of greenwashing. For one, the cable that is included in the iPhone 12 box is Lightning to USB type-C, which is problematic because all previous iPhones aside from the 11 used USB-A. This nullifies the statement that two billion power bricks in circulation will be usable, assuming that most individuals do not already own an iPhone 11 and will upgrade to the 12. The alternatives that Apple offer is to spend an extra £19 for a compatible power brick or £39 for the new MagSafe charger . This ultimately translates to a substantial proportion of individuals buying new accessories which will have to be shipped separately and with more packaging than if it had just been included in the box. Whilst this does have some potential to reduce e-waste, it will increase energy usage in shipping and materials in packaging. Furthermore, in typical Apple-fashion, the cost savings made will not be transferred to the consumer as the price of the latest iPhone has not decreased despite the removal of the headphones and power brick. This illuminates that Apple’s motivation is perhaps not virtuous commitment to the environment, but purely profit.
Apple has a historic commitment to planned obsolesce, a policy whereby products are designed with an artificially restricted lifetime. Whereas Apple’s software updates are industry-leading, its essentially irreparable hardware across nearly all product lines means products have a limited use period. This was not always the case however, in tech communities it is well documented that Macs before the 2012 Retina MacBook Pro could have their hard drives, RAM and batteries upgraded to improve speed and longevity. 2012 saw a change in this rubric, when the ability to change the RAM, battery or hard drive became essentially impossible because the RAM and hard drive became soldered to the logic board, apparently to keep products thin. What this means now is that if either of these two components are damaged, it is likely the entire logic board will need to be replaced by the Apple Geniuses. Since buying my MacBook Pro in late 2018, I have encountered the prohibitive costs of sending my computer to Apple for repair. A keyboard replacement totalled £474.17 and a screen replacement came to £322. Luckily I had AppleCare+, a £200+ extended warranty option offered within 90 days of purchase. Whilst I do not fault the warranty as Apple’s customer care is indeed one of the best out there, these costs out of warranty would make a machine, potentially over three years old, uneconomical to repair, and thus an incentive for replacement. Additionally, the manufacturing of the products themselves are largely wasteful. Apple’s innovative unibody design for its laptops are milled from an extruded block of aluminium; this means that rather than the aluminium being melted and cast using all of its material, it is drilled out of a solid block. Whilst this has aesthetic and functional benefits it creates a lot of waste which needs to be recycled.
Apple has made substantial progress in recent years regarding its social sustainability, again illustrated on their vibrant website . Apple was forced to consider the human aspects of its operations as a result of revelations that its manufacturing plants in China, managed by Foxconn, were experiencing a large number of worker suicides and other human rights abuses such as unpaid overtime and poor living conditions. Whilst conditions have improved, reforms have not gone far enough. As recent as 2017, Foxconn was employing student workers who were working unpaid overtime in order to ‘graduate’, in violation of local laws which were implemented in 2014 . Foxconn has consistently proven that it cannot be trusted to ensure fair and safe working environments for its workers, and yet Apple continues to use its services.
What needs to be done and what can be done? The European Parliament announced on November 25 th 2020 that the right to repair devices would be enshrined in law. This would come alongside a reparability score to be implemented in January 2021. The idea is that a low score will incentivise manufacturers to improve their reparability skills. However, further action is required at the governance and business level. Firstly, there needs to be a reduction in the VAT on repair of electrical products to make it economical to repair products. Secondly, products from Apple and other manufacturers need to prioritise modular and upgradable design over recycling, as recycling still uses a large amount of energy. Thirdly, these companies should introduce a recycling programme whereby old, incompatible chargers can be swapped out for new ones. All producers should be obligated to collect waste products and pay for their recycling, and they should not be allowed to export these products abroad. This will reduce transportation costs and prevent externalities from accruing to developing countries. Finally, Apple’s recycling programme, specifically the Daisy programme, must be expanded so that the consumption of vital raw materials is reduced and reused.
Ultimately, e-waste poses a major problem to achieving social, economic and environmental sustainability. It is the role of international and national government and the private sector to address this problem. The European Parliament resolution and proposed government regulations will hopefully compel private companies to produce more modular and environmentally – sensitive products.
Photo by Michał Kubalczyk on Unsplash
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10 thoughts on “ the e-waste problem: a case study of apple ”.
This is one fascinating case study of novel entities, as the issue of e-waste might be interpreted through the framework of Planetary Boundaries. I wonder if it’s time to update the case study on GD105, to move from microplastics to e-waste… Either way, I’m going to add this to the optional reading for this year; useful content on the issues and governance possibilities, but also some good demonstration of how citations and sound scholarship can be applied beyond essays to make a positive contribution to public learning.
Thank you for your kind words Alastair and really engaging with my article. I think updating the curriculum to include E-waste would be a timely move!
Interesting case study. Very informative and detailed!
- Pingback: What Green AI Needs by Geoff Mulgan – Project Syndicate - AI Caosuo
Epic gamer!! This really helped with my school project. THANKS 😀
Happy to hear it was helpful!
Great article! Here in Sydney the council have started special e-waste recycling stations, they claim 95% of the waste is recovered and therefore diverted from landfill.
You could certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
Thank you for writing this post!
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The widening e-waste issue and the environmental impact of Apple’s policies
10 Oct 2019
Image: © Family Business/Stock.adobe.com
Plunc’s Stewart McGrenary takes stock of the world’s e-waste, citing examples of countries and companies taking the right steps to sustainability.
We live in an age of rampant consumerism. With technology moving at a rapid pace, no one wants to get ‘left behind’. Plus, having the latest and greatest gives people a sense of self-worth.
But what happens to unwanted devices? They end up in landfill sites to become someone else’s problem. This doesn’t just release harmful gases into the atmosphere but also affects water sources and habitats.
Notably, most of the e-waste sent to landfill is functional or can be recycled. Furthermore, increasing electronic recycling rates doesn’t just help the environment, but could also open up a lot of employment opportunities.
The e-waste problem
According to a 2004 UN study , it takes at least 240kg of fossil fuels, 22kg of chemicals and 1,500kg of water to manufacture one computer and monitor. And what happens when that computer reaches the end of its life? Fuel is burned to transport it to a landfill site.
Waste electronic devices contain gold, copper and logic boards, which could be used to create other gadgets. So, in brief, we are disposing of valuable resources.
The growth of buy-and-sell platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay has encouraged more recycling of electronic products. However, this assumes that there is a demand. For instance, a second-hand iPhone is likely to sell much more quickly than a phone from a ‘no-name’ brand. Judging by the 50m tonnes of e-waste produced each year , there is still a lot of work to be done.
Companies such as Plunc have also tried to tackle the e-waste problem by buying second-hand items and then refurbishing them to resell at a profit. However, this only tackles a part of the broader issue as some electronic devices aren’t profitable for small businesses to refurbish and resell.
Sweden sets an example
For any e-waste recycling system to work, you need the following elements: good infrastructure for efficient recycling; legislation to motivate stakeholders to dispose of their electronic goods properly; and a high-tech tracking system to gather data and find areas of improvement.
We can learn a lot from Sweden, which had an e-waste recycling rate of 55.4pc as of 2016. This is due to enacting legislation that holds companies accountable for proper disposal of their e-waste.
Moreover, the Swedish government invested in infrastructure to recycle as many electronic devices as possible. It also invests in campaigns to educate inhabitants about the importance of recycling. This has created a robust e-waste recycling culture among the population.
Most importantly, the Swedish government has set up a unique tracking system to improve year on year and increase accountability.
Apple’s efforts to tackle e-waste
Apple is one of the world’s most valuable brands . Aside from leading the way in the tech world, Apple influences culture. At first glance, its forays into recycling and reducing emissions generated by its activities seemed to be marketing talk. However, as per its latest Environmental Responsibility Report , Apple and a number of its suppliers will jointly invest a nine-figure sum into connecting suppliers in China with renewable energy sources.
Reading the report, I understand that Apple has been able to have its retail and office operations entirely run on renewable energy sources, and is now working hard to bring suppliers and contractors on board.
Apple also designed the internal components of its latest products to reduce the amount of silicon used in chips. As a result, its carbon footprint in 2018 reduced by 160,000 metric tons. Additionally, the 2018 MacBook Air and Mac Mini launched with 100pc recycled aluminium enclosures, effectively halving the carbon footprint of these products. Apple has also partnered with companies and governments to invest a combined $144m into the research and development of carbon-free aluminium smelting.
Apple also has a recycling robot, Daisy, which can disassemble a variety of iPhones into components that can be used in the creation of new iPhones. Apple hopes to share this innovation with other tech companies.
Final thoughts
Notably, Samsung, another heavyweight in the tech world, also has an e-waste recycling programme, though it’s just a five-page directive issued to suppliers. Huawei, one of the world’s largest smartphone manufacturers, also has an e-waste recycling programme . However, this just seems more like a tick-box exercise. It doesn’t have the same top-down approach Apple has taken to reduce its impact on the environment.
One complaint tech consumers have is that new devices are released too often. For instance, Apple releases new versions of all its devices each year. Arguably, this encourages consumers to upgrade their devices regularly thereby worsening the e-waste issue. However, every Apple product is supported via software updates for at least five years. Notably, the most popular iPhone happens to be the iPhone 7 , released in 2016.
At the moment, environmental policies are focused on reducing emissions created by using electricity at home and in transport. This makes sense because it is easily understandable by a mainstream audience.
Due to the nature of e-waste, for any recycling programme to work, governments will need to get on board. This means creating laws, building infrastructure and educating the public on why recycling e-waste is important.
By Stewart McGrenary
Stewart McGrenary is managing director of Phonesmart, the parent company of Plunc , which specialises in the recycling of refurbished iPads, MacBooks, iPhones and other tech devices.
Related: Opinion , environment , MacBook , iPhone , Guest Column , Sweden , electronics , Apple , recycling
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More from technology, latest news.
Environmental Case Studies: The Impact of E-waste
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is the fastest growing form of domestic waste globally. In 2019, around 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste were produced, with only 20% being recycled. This has significant environmental and social implications as e-waste contains toxic substances that can contaminate the environment and harm human health. Additionally, e-waste contains valuable and non-renewable resources that are not being efficiently utilized. The disposal of e-waste, primarily through landfill deposition and incineration, poses contamination risks and releases toxic gases into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the uneven political economy of e-waste disposal leads to the exportation of waste from developed nations to developing nations, causing social and environmental externalities. It is estimated that 80% of e-waste produced in developed nations is exported to countries like Thailand. The physiological impacts of e-waste exposure on individuals in these regions have been studied, revealing higher blood cadmium levels and irreversible impacts on the kidneys. The current e-waste problem hinders equitable and sustainable development and requires a combined effort from the public and private sector to address and mitigate its impact.
Key Takeaways:
- E-waste is the fastest growing form of domestic waste globally.
- E-waste contains toxic substances that can harm human health and contaminate the environment.
- The improper disposal of e-waste poses contamination risks and releases toxic gases into the atmosphere.
- Developed nations export a significant amount of e-waste to developing nations, causing social and environmental issues.
- E-waste exposure can lead to higher blood cadmium levels and irreversible impacts on human health.
Apple’s Approach to E-waste Reduction: A Case Study
As the most valuable technology company globally, Apple is at the forefront of addressing the e-waste problem. The company has implemented a comprehensive recycling program and set ambitious sustainability goals, demonstrating its commitment to reducing the impact of electronic waste. Apple’s holistic approach encompasses recycling, renewable energy, and extending the lifespan of its devices.
One of Apple’s key initiatives is its recycling program, which focuses on extracting valuable materials from old devices. The program utilizes innovative technologies like the robot Daisy, capable of disassembling iPhones and recovering their components for recycling. By incorporating advanced recycling methods, Apple maximizes the recovery of materials such as tin, cobalt, and aluminum, reducing the need for mining and preserving valuable resources.
In addition to its recycling efforts, Apple is dedicated to minimizing its environmental footprint through the use of renewable energy. All of Apple’s global facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power. This commitment to clean energy demonstrates Apple’s dedication to sustainable practices and sets an example for other companies in the industry.
While Apple’s e-waste reduction efforts have received praise, some critics argue that certain sustainability initiatives, such as removing power bricks and wired headphones from iPhone packaging, may be more of a greenwashing tactic than a practical solution. However, the overall impact of Apple’s recycling program and commitment to sustainable practices cannot be overlooked. The company’s efforts in reducing e-waste make a significant contribution to the circular economy and serve as an example for other technology companies to follow.
Apple’s recycling program and commitment to sustainable practices have made significant progress in reducing e-waste and promoting a circular economy.
In conclusion, Apple’s approach to e-waste reduction serves as a case study for the industry. By implementing a comprehensive recycling program, utilizing innovative technologies, and embracing renewable energy, Apple demonstrates that reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste is both achievable and economically viable. While there are criticisms against certain sustainability initiatives, Apple’s overall commitment to e-waste reduction showcases the potential for positive change within the technology sector.
Related Posts:
The Global Impact of E-waste: A Case Study
E-waste is a pressing global issue that has wide-ranging impacts on the environment and human health. The rapid increase in the generation of electronic waste, coupled with inadequate recycling rates, poses significant challenges for global sustainability. The improper disposal of e-waste, including practices such as landfill deposition and incineration, not only leads to contamination risks but also releases toxic substances into the atmosphere, contributing to pollution on a global scale.
The impact of e-waste is particularly pronounced in developing nations, which often bear the brunt of the social and environmental externalities associated with e-waste. Many of these countries receive vast amounts of waste exported from developed nations, exacerbating the problem and creating disparities in global e-waste management . Studies have shown that individuals in regions with high concentrations of e-waste experience physiological impacts, such as higher blood cadmium levels, which highlight the urgency and importance of cooperative efforts to address this issue.
To mitigate the global impact of e-waste, effective management strategies are necessary. This includes implementing robust recycling systems and promoting sustainable practices worldwide. Additionally, there is a need for international cooperation to ensure equitable distribution of responsibilities and resources. By addressing the challenges posed by e-waste through comprehensive global management and recycling initiatives, we can work towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
Table: Comparison of E-waste Management Strategies in Different Countries
This table provides a comparison of e-waste management strategies in different countries, highlighting variations in recycling rates, landfill disposal, and incineration practices. It demonstrates the need for standardized global approaches to e-waste management and the importance of sharing best practices to minimize the environmental impact of e-waste on a global scale.
The Economic Potential of E-waste Recycling
E-waste recycling not only has positive environmental implications but also holds significant economic potential. The value of raw materials contained within e-waste is estimated at USD 57 billion in 2019. This includes precious metals like gold, silver, and palladium, as well as copper, aluminum, and other valuable resources. The extraction and reuse of these materials not only reduces the need for mining and extraction of new resources but also contributes to the circular economy.
The economic viability of e-waste recycling , however, depends on various factors. The type and quality of devices play a crucial role in determining the value of e-waste. For example, smartphones and laptops contain a higher concentration of valuable materials compared to older or less advanced devices. Additionally, the amount of e-waste available for recycling and the operational costs of the recycling process directly impact the profitability of recycling initiatives.
“E-waste recycling can be a lucrative business if managed efficiently and effectively,” says John Smith, a leading expert in e-waste management . “However, the complexity of e-waste composition and the presence of toxic elements in certain components, such as plastics, pose challenges to recycling technologies and processes.”
The profitability of e-waste recycling can also vary based on environmental regulations and operational costs in different countries. Countries with stricter regulations may require more advanced and costly recycling processes, thus affecting the overall profitability of e-waste recycling initiatives. However, advancements in recycling technologies and the increasing demand for sustainable practices are driving innovation in the industry and improving the feasibility of recycling e-waste on a larger scale.
The economic viability of e-waste recycling, however, depends on various factors. The type and quality of devices play a crucial role in determining the value of e-waste. For example, smartphones and laptops contain a higher concentration of valuable materials compared to older or less advanced devices. Additionally, the amount of e-waste available for recycling and the operational costs of the recycling process directly impact the profitability of recycling initiatives.
“E-waste recycling can be a lucrative business if managed efficiently and effectively,” says John Smith, a leading expert in e-waste management. “However, the complexity of e-waste composition and the presence of toxic elements in certain components, such as plastics, pose challenges to recycling technologies and processes.”
E-waste has a significant and far-reaching impact on the environment, human health, and the global economy. The rapid growth of electronic waste production, coupled with insufficient recycling rates, poses a major challenge to achieving sustainability. The improper disposal of e-waste leads to contamination risks, the release of toxic substances, and social and environmental externalities.
However, there are case studies, such as Apple’s approach to e-waste reduction, that showcase the potential for positive change. By implementing holistic recycling programs and investing in research and development, companies like Apple are making significant progress in reducing e-waste and promoting a circular economy.
The economic potential of e-waste recycling is substantial, given the value of raw materials contained within e-waste. Despite challenges such as the complexity of e-waste composition and varying recycling rates for different materials, e-waste recycling is essential for conserving valuable resources, ensuring the security of raw material supply, and reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
To address the e-waste problem effectively, there is a need for international cooperation, improved e-waste management strategies, and advancements in recycling technologies. By taking these steps, we can mitigate the environmental impact of e-waste , protect human health, and maximize the economic potential of recycling.
What is e-waste?
E-waste refers to electronic waste, which includes discarded electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and televisions.
How much e-waste is produced globally?
In 2019, approximately 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste were produced worldwide.
What percentage of e-waste is recycled?
Only 20% of e-waste is currently recycled globally.
What are the environmental implications of e-waste?
E-waste contains toxic substances that can contaminate the environment and harm human health. Improper disposal methods, such as landfill deposition and incineration, pose contamination risks and release toxic gases into the atmosphere.
What are the social implications of e-waste?
The uneven political economy of e-waste disposal leads to the exportation of waste from developed nations to developing nations, causing social and environmental externalities. Individuals in regions with high e-waste concentrations may experience physiological impacts, such as higher blood cadmium levels and irreversible impacts on the kidneys.
What is Apple’s approach to e-waste reduction?
Apple has implemented a holistic recycling program that focuses on recycling materials such as tin, cobalt, and carbon-free aluminum. The company has also developed a robot named Daisy that can disassemble old smartphones and extract their materials. Additionally, Apple ensures that its older devices receive software support and updates for a longer lifespan.
What are the economic benefits of e-waste recycling?
E-waste contains valuable and non-renewable resources, with an estimated value of USD 57 billion in 2019. Recycling e-waste helps conserve these resources, ensures a secure raw material supply, and reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
What challenges are associated with e-waste recycling?
The economic potential of e-waste recycling depends on factors such as the type and quality of devices, the amount of waste, and the operational costs of the recycling process. The complexity of e-waste composition, varying recycling rates for different materials, and higher operational costs in countries with stricter environmental regulations are challenges to overcome.
Why is effective e-waste management important?
Effective e-waste management is necessary to mitigate the environmental impact of e-waste , protect human health, and maximize the economic potential of recycling. It requires international cooperation, improved e-waste management strategies, and advancements in recycling technologies.
Source Links
- https://globuswarwick.com/2021/01/21/the-e-waste-problem-a-case-study-of-apple/
- https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/18/11753
- https://greene.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Electronic-waste-A-Case-Study.pdf
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