|
Many types of electronic
products that are widely used in workplaces
and homes contain hazardous substances like
lead and mercury. When these products reach
the end of their useful lives or become
obsolete, some contain enough of these
hazardous substances to be considered
hazardous waste. In general, hazardous waste
may not be discarded in the regular trash.
Instead, it must be sent to a facility that
has a permit for treatment (including
recycling), storage, or disposal.
Electronic hazardous
wastes (e-waste) are different from
industrially generated hazardous wastes in
that almost every individual, institution
and business generates them. Proper
management and recycling of e-waste poses
lower risks than managing many industrial
hazardous wastes. |
