Charting a Sustainable Future: Our Commitment to Responsible E-Waste Management

As we advance in the digital era, the challenge of managing electronic waste, or e-waste, becomes increasingly critical. This blog explores the escalating issue of e-waste, highlighting its rapid growth, associated health risks, resource loss, and global initiatives to address this pressing environmental threat.

The Growing Threat of E-Waste

E-waste is the fastest-growing type of waste on the planet. In 2019 alone, around 53.6 million tonnes were produced globally, with less than a fifth being formally recycled (WHO 2023). This not only represents a missed opportunity to reclaim valuable materials but also poses a significant environmental threat. E-waste contains dangerous substances like lead and mercury, which can lead to serious environmental and health problems if not managed properly.

Human Health Risks

The informal recycling and disposal of e-waste pose severe health risks, especially to vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. Informal processes often include hazardous methods such as open burning or acid leaching, releasing toxins into the environment. These practices can cause serious health issues, including respiratory problems, neurodevelopmental disorders, and other severe conditions.

Loss of Precious Resources (Lotzof 2019)

Throwing away e-waste also results in the loss of valuable non-renewable resources. Electronics contain precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum, as well as important minerals such as copper and aluminium. The conventional mining of these materials is not only energy-intensive but also damaging to the environment. By recycling e-waste, we can reclaim these critical resources, helping to foster a more sustainable, circular economy.

International Efforts and SE Recycling’s Role

Internationally, initiatives such as the Basel Convention work to regulate the cross-border movement of hazardous wastes and their environmentally sound management. SE Recycling supports these global efforts by promoting and practicing responsible recycling that meets international standards.

Our Commitment

SE Recycling is committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. We adhere to strict recycling protocols and engage in educational and community outreach programs. We believe in the power of informed choices and community involvement to drive sustainable change. Dedicated to addressing these challenges, we promote sustainable practices and support worldwide efforts to reduce the impact of e-waste on the environment and public health.

Help contribute to a more sustainable future for all by recycling your e-waste ethically and responsibly.

Andes Mountains Hydro Power - Chile

Located in the Tinguiririca River upper valley, this Hydroelectric project is around 120km south of Santiago, Chile. Known as La Confluencia, the 163 MW run of river hydro power plant utilizes the hydrological resources of the Tinguiririca, Portillo and Azufre Rivers, in a run of river scheme to generate and supply zero emission energy to the Chilean central electricity grid (SIC). The power plant generates certified emission reductions (CERs) by displacing electricity generation from grid connected fossil fuel-fired power plants that would otherwise be generating electricity.

Environmental Sustainability

The primary objective of the proposed project is to help meet Chile’s rising demand for energy due to its economic growth and to improve the supply of electricity, while contributing to the environmental, social (job creation in the construction phase, and infrastructure enhancements in surrounding municipalities) and economic sustainability by increasing renewable energy’s share on the Chilean electricity consumption. The Project activity improves the supply of electricity with clean, renewable hydroelectric power while contributing to the regional/local economic development.

Social Development

Through the “Tinguiririca Participa” grant program, the project directly finances proposals presented by community organisation, in areas such as healthcare, education, and social change. In the first year of the program, the joint venture financed 11 projects, while today the number of projects surpasses 200. All of these initiatives are aimed at meeting community needs.

Flora and Fauna

In addition to social projects, reforestation of around 120 hectares around the site has been implemented, helping protect and improve the local flora and fauna, with a specific impact on local Tricahue Parrot, Torrent Duck, Freshwater Catfish, Torrent Duck and Freshwater Catfish species.

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