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E Waste Environmental Impact And The Need For Federal Laws

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E-waste environmental impact and the need for Federal laws
Joe A Cox AMU
12/23/15

ABSTRACT
The rate at which E-waste is compiling in our nations landfills is unsustainable. The toxic materials contained in these products have the potential to destroy the environment and taint our food and water supply. A review of several state laws revealed a patchwork incapable of mitigating the negative ecological and health effects of the tons of E-waste being dumped annually. The only logical answer to the nation’s E-waste problem is strong federal legislation that is enforced nationwide, combined with incentive aimed at getting consumers to recycle E-waste products.

E-waste Environmental Impact and the Need for Universal Laws …show more content…

While we are not all driving flying cars (although some would argue they are close to reality), cell phones are hundreds or thousands of times more advanced are in the hands of most Americans including many children, and they cost less than 1/10th of the first model offered for purchase. Televisions are now staples in many rooms of homes. The author of this document recently purchased a 55” LED TV weighing less than sixty pounds for less than $250.00. Lastly, a good laptop computer can be purchased for under $500.00. As technology advances, manufacturers have created powerful cheap products that many now consider necessities and America has become a throw away nation.
Electronic or E-waste is a growing problem in the United States. Our landfills are becoming cluttered with the waste created when Americans replace their electronics so very often. Part of the reason people discard E-waste in such large numbers are they feel they need the latest model, others blame inferior construction so the products don’t last as long as they used to. No matter the reason for being discarded, E- Waste is a significant problem. It goes beyond the items piling up; as previously mentioned Science has come a long way and we have learned that many of these products are known to contain materials that can cause health and ecological problems when removed from the devices by leaking out into the environment. It is estimated that millions of tons of E-waste are

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