Brush Up Your Electronic Waste Recycling Knowledge with RECAPP
Electronic waste or eWaste refers to any unwanted, malfunctioning, broken, or outdated piece of equipment or appliance. According to research, the UAE produces nearly 17.2kg of eWaste per capita per year. Moreover, only 15-20% of this waste is recycled annually.
As a result, it is becoming a growing challenge in the region. Thus, RECAPP aims to do its part by spreading awareness regarding the importance of electronic waste recycling in the UAE. eWaste management isn't a part of our door-to-door service “yet." However, we aim to help locals and businesses safely dispose of unwanted or damaged products with our eShop wich is coming soon that will provide waste boxes for different types of waste
Fortunately, with our tips and insights, our clients can now easily adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle and play their role in protecting the environment.
Why recycle eWaste?
Recycling any electronic waste offers many health and environmental benefits. With safe and proper disposal, you can:
- Reduce the size of landfills
- Save the oceans and ecosystem from metal poisoning
- Save valuable resources for cheaper production by reducing the need for “virgin material”
- Reduce greenhouse emissions
- Reuse unwanted equipment or appliances to those who can still use it
What to recycle?
If you’re intrigued by the concept of electronic waste recycling but not sure how to get started, visit our e-shop and learn about the different things you can recycle, including:
- Computers or Laptop
- Mobile,smartphones or tablets
- Peripherals (printers, scanners, fax machines, etc.)
- Computer Accessories (speakers, keyboards, mice, chargers, routers, etc.)
- Power Tools
- Video games
- All small accessories (remote control, cameras, etc…)
Get started with RECAPP
Learn more about our services and recycling guides on unwanted or damaged electronic items from your home or office by exploring our offers on the e-shop. Moreover, get on board our free recycling program in the UAE by downloading the RECAPP App to enjoy redeemable points.
General information on E-Waste and IT Recycling for Homes and Businesses
With the information technology explosion in the United Arab Emirates, most homes and businesses have adopted a multitude of electronic devices for different applications. From smartphones to computers, printers, microwaves, and cleaning equipment, these products are designed to facilitate our utility and entertainment needs and improve our professional and personal lives.
Unfortunately, when electronic equipment and appliances outlive their useful life, malfunction, or become obsolete, they usually end up in old storage, garbage, and landfills, which leads to environmental degradation.
As a result, electronic waste recycling (or e-waste recycling) is becoming one of the most important niches of waste management in the Middle East and worldwide.
At Recapp, we aim to create awareness among our clients and readers about electronic waste and prompt them to safely dispose of and recycle electronic appliances and equipment they don’t need. Presently, e-waste management isn’t a part of our door-to-door service.
With our wide network of certified e-waste recycling centers in the UAE, you can easily get rid of small electronic appliances to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. We also plan to launch an eShop to provide waste boxes for e-waste.
What else can you recycle?
Small Equipment/Appliances
- Smartphones/cellphones
- Cameras
- Office peripherals (printers/scanners, etc.)
- Power tools
- Microwaves
- Kettles
- Iron
- Calculators
- Storage (CDs/DVDs/SSDs/HDs/USBs, etc.)
- Vacuum cleaners
Large Equipment/Appliances
- Washing machines
- Solar panels
- Dishwashers
- Electric stoves
- Large IT equipment (Copying machines/servers, etc.)
- Construction tools and equipment
Large Monitors
Cooling/Heating Equipment
- Refrigerators
- Geysers
- Freezers
- Air conditioners
The E-Waste Recycling Process
Collection
The first step of a typical e-waste recycling process involves the collection of electronic waste from homes, businesses, or drop-off locations. The collection process would be based on waste type, size, quantity, and collection site facilities.
Storage
Next, the electronic waste is transported to storage facilities, where it’s segregated and sorted accordingly. Many waste electronic items are moved to repair shops or used equipment stores for resale purposes.
Sorting/Dismantling/Shredding
Most facilities initiate their recycling processes by sorting collected recyclables manually and categorizing them. Next, they dismantle them for repairs or recovery of salvageable components or valuable materials, such as steel, copper, gold, and aluminum. The remaining parts are shredded and broken into smaller pieces mechanically.
Separation
Next, the shredded mixture undergoes magnetic or water separation to separate non-ferrous metals from plastic, glass, wood, etc.
Salvage and Recovery
Finally, the salvaged electronic appliances, components, and materials are stored, shipped, and sold to manufacturing companies, electronic stores, or other businesses that require them.
Why Recycle Electronic Waste?
Save Landfill Space
The Environmental Protection Agency claims that e-waste dumping into landfills should be limited. Electronic waste leaches toxic metals into the soil and waterways, including mercury, lead, chromium, and cadmium, all of which can result in severe health complications for humans and wildlife.
Cost Savings
Every year, millions of consumers scrap outdated or malfunctioning electronic appliances that other consumers can easily reuse. The UAE has one of the largest used electronics markets in the middle east. Moreover, many e-waste companies reward consumers for donating or selling unwanted electronics.
Save Precious Resources
E-waste recycling can reduce the mining of virgin metals, including aluminum, copper, gold, and silver. Moreover, it can also limit the production of other essential materials, including plastic and glass. Reclaiming valuable resources can help decrease the demand for new raw materials and save millions of tons of natural resources annually.
Save Storage
Electronic waste in offices, including old hard drives, computers, and accessories, can take up unnecessary storage space. Opting for a recycling solution can free up space and reduce the clutter at your facility or workplace.
Get started with RECAPP
According to Statista, the consumer electronic segment in the United Arab Emirates is projected to exceed $2.5 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 10.7%. Hence, locals and businesses must become more aware of the consequences of electronic waste and opt for effective e-waste recycling solutions and programs.
At RECAPP, we strive to educate our clients and readers about the different types of recycling initiatives in the UAE and the middle east. We believe that by encouraging people to recycle electronics, we can prompt them to become more socially responsible and opt for different electronics recycling solutions and services in the seven Emirates.
You can also search our database for different drop-off locations in the UAE to dispose of small electronic appliances: