This is a follow up to the post about un-used medications. Thanks for a reader for referring how a US propsed law will deal with this issue.
Disposed electronics must also be considered medical waste because of what the waste does to the ecosystem.
Un-used medications are not intended for re-use, but electronic devices can be re-cycled. Sadly many are just thrown away without concern for how they too pollute the biosphere. “Throwing away” is probably more a factor of laziness than lack of concern. But systems do exist for electronics – check Telecommunication Industry Association and many electronic stores. Rechargeable batteries contain toxic metals but many drop off points exist. Ask computer and cell phone vendors if they have recycle programs. Many copy/printer toners come with recycle return envelops.
Electronic devices contain many toxic metals, such as mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and other materials. These leech into the groundwater. The biological ill-effects are equal to those of medications.
Filed under: Environment & Health, Society's Tonics, water pollution | Tagged: disposing electronics, disposing medications, ecosystem safety, groundwater pollution, health, medical waste, recycling, Safe Drug Disposal Act 2009 -- HR 1191, toxic heavy metals, water pollution
Hi, good post. I have been thinking about this topic,so thanks for sharing. I will definitely be coming back to your site.