High Tech Trash Problems

Usually at some point during the year, there is a round up of all the electronic devices that one has broken during the year. These items sit around for months, serving no purpose except for dust collection. Just the other day I had to buy a new cell phone, the man asked me if I would like him to dispose of my old phone for me. I replied "No, thank you", seeing as I am the type of person who will need my old phone at some point because of my carelessness. Now, after reading High Tech Trash by Chris Carroll I feel better knowing my Motorola won't end up burning in a fire pit Africa. E-waste is a direct threat not only to the population because of its harmful health related effects, but also effects on the environment. The areas where the "disposals" are become severely damaged over time, the chemicals resulting from burning computers and circuit boards can only pollute the soil and air. The developing world is being compromised thanks to the over zealous inventions created without a thought as to what would happen when the devices no longer worked, or were needed. Dumping electronics in innocent countries is inappropriate and wrong. Obviously I am not shocked that this could be possible, it is just unsettling and bleak to think about how long this has been going on.