In the year 2016, our world has come a long way when it comes to  manufacturing electronics and e-waste .  We’re at a time when electronics seems to be at their peak.  Then in the blink of an eye, more and more new items are introduced every year.  It’s amazing to see all that is created and invented.  And so many times when new items come out, we hear people say, “why didn’t I think of that?”  It’s an amazing time on this earth with so many items that make our lives so much more convenient, faster, and efficient. On the other hand, we’ve also come a long way with e-waste and the disposal of these electronics as well.

We’ve learned that dumping electronics in the trash, where they end up in landfills, is never a good idea.  In fact it is quite hazardous and harmful to our earth.  Since then we have created laws, regulations, and procedures on how to dispose of electronics.  This is so we can keep our earth clean and safe using very strict e-waste methods.  However, we seem to be at a standstill with these laws, regulations and procedures.  Have we made too many limitations and rules to the point that we may not be reducing, recycling or reusing to the extent that we could?  E-waste should make the disposal of electronics easier, but this isn’t always the case.

The article E-waste is in Need of Repair, makes a really good point of how U.S. society and officials need to reconsider the e-waste and recycling process for many electronics.  The U.S. economy is missing out on opportunities to make more money.  With so many limitations and restrictions on what can and can’t be done when an electronic meets its end-of-life. Or more money is being spent on wasted energy to dispose an item, rather than refurbish it.  Hopefully, in the coming years, they will realize more cost effective and better solutions to these issues so e-waste is still safe but also more practical.