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No Taste For E-Waste
Social Impact
The improper disposal of e-waste has a profound impact upon a variety of people. Despite the legalities, wealthy countries are known to export e-waste to LEDCs (lesser economically developed countries) for cheaper methods of disposal. This includes incineration and dissolving waste in toxic chemicals, creating harmful working environments. These disposal methods lead to the omission of harmful elements which contaminate drinking water and food resources. These detrimental health impacts are inevitable, particularly for e-waste workers in LEDCs and for communities surrounding landfill, due to the failure to employ adequate and environmentally-sustainable recycling methods of electronic waste.
Furthermore, e-waste has the potential to create almost 300 more jobs yearly for every 10,000 tonnes of e-waste that is recycled. However, the lack of social awareness means that levels of e-waste recycling are minimal, and potential job vacancies are not being utilised. As these potential jobs in the e-waste recycling industry are not being harnessed, less economically developed countries (LEDCs) overlook the creation of jobs that would otherwise be beneficial for those in extreme poverty or without education. This inaction means that many of those living below the poverty line in LEDCs remain trapped in the poverty cycle, unable to find jobs and continue to suffer from terrible physical and economic well being.
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