Interest in Recycling Increased 12% Last Year

According to Earth911's 2009 Annual Recycling Report, electronics dominated the recycling scene last year. Consumers sought to recycle their computers more so than any other item. And queries for "where to recycle" grew by 12-percent in 2009 versus 2008.

Pulling up second and third were batteries and televisions, respectively. California residents made up 30-percent of all recycling searches with Texas taking second at 12-percent. And while electronics were number one for most every state, that was not the case for number two. For example, in Texas it was cans where New York was plastic.

“Electronics have always been popular searches on Earth911.com, but with the increased attention these devices have received, this past year was our highest yet,” said Corey Lambrecht, president of Earth911.

Paint followed shortly after televisions along with cans, motor oil, CFLs, glass and Christmas trees.

Refreshing news, as e-waste in developing countries will grow by 500-percent within the next 10 years. The United States alone produces 3 million metric tons of e-waste each year. Behind us is China which produces 2.3 million metric tons a year. And China is where most e-waste from developed nations ends up.

Aside from India's expected 500-percent increase in e-waste, China and South Africa will see a 400-percent increase from 2007 levels over the next ten years, with mobile phones being a significant component. E-Waste from televisions will be 2 times higher in China and India, and e-waste from discarded refrigerators will triple in India.

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Source: Earth911

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