Most people think of plastic bags, bottles, and straws when they picture ocean pollution. But electronic waste, also called e-waste, is an even bigger threat to aquatic life and, ultimately, to our health through the seafood we eat.
The Way to the Sea
E-waste often ends up in the ocean through dumpsites near water. In places like China and Ghana, large piles of electronics are burned, and rain or floods wash the remains away. Burning releases toxic metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium into the soil, which can then seep into groundwater. From there, these toxins reach the ocean through rivers and storm drains.In developed countries, e-waste often reaches the ocean through urban runoff. When people throw electronics in the trash, they end up in landfills. Pollutants from these landfills can leak into rivers and streams, eventually flowing into the ocean.
Exporting e-waste is another issue. Western countries often send e-waste abroad, calling it “reuse.” Many countries that receive these shipments have weak environmental protections. As a result, old electronics may be dumped along coastlines, polluting the ocean.
Lasting Effects
Toxic metals from used electronics do not break down in saltwater. Instead, they slowly leak out and build up in the ocean’s sediment and living creatures. Small fish absorb these toxins, bigger fish eat the smaller ones, and then dolphins and sharks eat them. Clams, oysters, and mussels are at risk because they filter everything from the water. Coral reefs also suffer, since toxins block plankton from making food through photosynthesis, and corals rely on plankton. Flame retardants used in electronics are another problem. In the ocean, these chemicals accumulate in fish fat, weaken marine animals’ immune systems, and can cause deformities and reproductive problems.
Impacting Our Food
Tuna, swordfish, and mackerel are some fish that can contain methylmercury, a dangerous form of mercury linked to e-waste in our oceans. For pregnant women and children, exposure to methylmercury can cause neurological problems, developmental delays, and learning issues. Long-term exposure can also harm adults’ health.Regulatory Issues
In the U.S., the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) has been in place since 1980. CERCLA aims to clean up hazardous waste sites, but it does not prevent illegal e-waste dumping or stop toxins from landfills from reaching the ocean.
Some states have acted to stop e-waste from polluting the ocean. For example, Massachusetts imposes penalties for improper e-waste disposal. The state also runs community awareness campaigns and offers approved drop-off sites and recycling events for residents.
Since 2014, U.S. representatives have attended the annual Our Ocean Conference, which seeks to secure global commitments to protect the oceans and safeguard marine ecosystems. This year, the conference will be held in Kenya for the first time, in June.
Addressing the Threat
At Urban E Recycling, we understand how much e-waste threatens marine life. The damage it causes lasts a long time and is often permanent. We appreciate our customers who bring their used electronics to us for safe disposal. Raising public awareness about safely handling e-waste is key to preventing pollution from reaching the ocean.
Mother Nature doesn’t want your old computers but we do.
