What is E-Waste (Electronic Waste)?

Every year, millions of electrical and electronic devices are discarded because they are broken or outdated. These discarded devices are called "e-waste," which is hazardous waste that can pose risks to health and the environment if not disposed of or recycled properly. As an organization committed to safety and environmental preservation, BMSP has joined the annual "Global Days of Service" campaign organized by the Boston University Alumni Association in Thailand, in collaboration with AIS. BMSP serves as an intermediary to collect e-waste and send it for recycling or reuse, under the concept “E-Waste to E-Access,” focusing on responsible e-waste management.

What Is E-Waste?

E-waste refers to electronic devices that are no longer functional or are no longer needed, such as mobile phones, computers, tablets, televisions, household appliances, or other electronic devices that have reached the end of their useful life or are no longer in use.

Electronic devices contain various hazardous substances that users may not encounter while the devices are in use. However, once these devices become e-waste, these toxic substances can be released into the environment if not handled properly.

Common improper disposal methods include:

• Dumping on land or in water sources

• Disposing of in landfills along with regular waste

• Burning in open areas

• Submerging in acids or using corrosive chemicals

• Stripping plastics from devices

• Manually dismantling devices

These methods are harmful to both health and the environment, releasing toxic pollutants into the air, soil, dust, and water, which can affect local communities. Burning e-waste in open areas, for example, releases harmful smoke that can affect public health. The chemicals released can spread widely and persist in the environment for a long time, exposing even people far away from the source to contamination.

Problems Caused by E-Waste

1. Environmental Issues: Improper disposal of e-waste, such as burning, releases toxic substances like lead, mercury, and other chemicals into the air and soil, causing pollution and health hazards.

2. Health Impacts: People who handle e-waste improperly may be exposed to harmful chemicals like lead or mercury, which affect the nervous system and can impair children's development.

3. Resource Loss: E-waste contains valuable materials like gold, copper, and rare metals, which, if not recycled properly, are lost without value.

   
   

Solutions for E-Waste

1. Recycling: Send e-waste to certified recycling centers to recover valuable materials such as gold, copper, and rare metals.

2. Choosing Durable Products: Opt for high-quality electronics with warranties to extend their lifespan and reduce e-waste.

3. Proper Waste Management: Ensure e-waste is sent to designated recycling points and avoid disposal in regular waste bins because "Sustainable Internet Starts with You."

4. Raising Awareness: Educate the public about the impacts of e-waste and proper disposal methods, as well as encourage the use of environmentally-friendly technology.

Effective e-waste management is crucial to prevent the environmental and health impacts of improper disposal and to maximize the value of available resources.

As an organization committed to safety and environmental preservation, BMSP participated in the annual "Global Days of Service" campaign organized by the Boston University Alumni Association in Thailand, in collaboration with AIS. BMSP acted as an intermediary to collect e-waste and send it for recycling or reuse under the concept “E-Waste to E-Access.” This year’s campaign focused on environmental preservation and responsible e-waste management.

If your company needs to dispose of or request an E-Waste collection box, please contact us for more information at Warangkhana@bmsp.tech, from now until April 23, 2025.