Technological waste is a time bomb that’s gaining momentum. In keeping with the Nationwide Administrative Division of Statistics -DANE-, Colombia produces about 200,000 tons of digital waste per yr.
All through the world, air pollution on seashores and different pure areas as a consequence of technological waste is a rising downside. One of these air pollution contains discarded digital gadgets, cables, batteries, cellular gadgets, chargers and different technological parts which are improperly dumped into the atmosphere.
The so-called technological waste comes from varied sources resembling industrial waste, unlawful discharges, poorly managed landfills and inappropriate disposal practices by customers.
In Colombia, Regulation 1672 on “Administration of Waste from Electrical and Digital Units” has been in drive since 2013, which urges corporations that promote these gadgets to handle their recycling and supply the buyer with areas for his or her assortment.
For telecommunications operators working within the nation, the restoration and reconditioning of digital gear have to be a relentless process. Some corporations encourage their purchasers and customers to hold out an satisfactory recycling course of for technological waste.
“It is vitally necessary to correctly deal with these gadgets, since, if they’re improperly disposed of within the atmosphere as a consequence of their chemical composition, they might trigger an environmental threat by releasing poisonous and chemical components that contaminate the soil, water sources or the air. ”defined Ana Marina Jiménez, vice chairman of Company Affairs at Tigo Colombia.
Research by the United Nations College and the Worldwide Telecommunications Union reveal that greater than 60 million tons of waste electrical and digital gear are generated on the planet yearly. For Colombia, the scenario can be crucial: the dearth of environmental consciousness and the dearth of strategic campaigns are affecting pure ecosystems resembling seashores, lakes, moors, environmental reserves and the depths of the oceans.
One other of the normal operators in Colombia, Claro, identified that within the final yr the corporate strengthened its Round Economic system and Reverse Logistics scheme, thereby avoiding an emission of 1,911 tons of CO2, equal to 437 Olympic swimming swimming pools. Moreover, it led to the restoration of greater than 5 million items of kit and the gathering of almost 1,100 tons of Waste Electrical and Digital Tools (WEEE).
Though there are a number of actors on whom accountability ought to fall, one other of the latent issues inside this chain is that the recycling of technological waste entails nice challenges as a result of the dealing with processes in order that they’re reused are costly and harmful. .
In keeping with Greenpeace, an environmental NGO, greater than 160 million new laptop computer computer systems are manufactured yearly, making the Data Expertise (IT) trade accountable for 2% of the emissions that trigger local weather change. thus equalizing the whole airline trade.
For the precise case of Colombia, the era of digital waste, often known as e-wastereached 34 thousand metric tons in 2021. The truth for the nation on this side is stark: in 2024 Colombia positioned itself as one of many largest mills of digital waste in Latin America and the Caribbean.
“Colombia is the fourth nation on the continent with the very best manufacturing of digital waste. Yearly, on common, nearly 200,000 tons are generated within the nation and it’s anticipated that by 2026 there shall be 220,000 tons, with an annual progress price of round 2%,” as indicated by the Ministry of Setting and Sustainable Growth.
What may be accomplished?
Consultants within the use and correct disposal of technological waste make suggestions to telecommunications corporations, environmental authorities and know-how customers. In Colombia, courier corporations resembling Interrapidísimo, Servientrega or Efecty have reception factors for these technological supplies. Amongst different urged actions are the next:
1. Perform visits and steady assortment days of kit and different waste.
2. Take the collected gear to specialised laboratories at universities or know-how facilities to overview them and classify them as practical or non-functional.
3. Promote the satisfactory rehabilitation of practical gadgets: upkeep, cleansing and packaging in order that they are often reused.
4. Dismantle non-functional gadgets to categorise usable and non-usable components.
5. Generate everlasting campaigns within the media, social networks, mass group assembly factors and academic establishments in regards to the dangers of technological waste and its correct recycling.
6. Promote actions from their technological platforms to advertise the discount of the carbon footprint amongst customers and purchasers.
7. Improve the biodiverse wealth of a rustic like Colombia with accountable actions and in concord with pure assets.
2024-06-15 16:54:33