The world as we know it has changed dramatically from the past, and continues to evolve through technology. However, this rapid development brings a downfall of its own – Electronic waste, coined otherwise as e-waste. IoT devices that connect trillions of devices worldwide, range from wearables to large industrial automation systems. The convenience of these devices has seen a boom in market consumption. This means that not only are more people using these devices, but due to constant upgrades a significant number of devices are disposed of as well. Take a moment to think about this, how many times have you and others in your family upgraded phones or wearables? Even larger devices like laptops are exchanged for new ones every now and then.
IoT promises a better future, making the world not only better but also smarter. However, the same sensors used for waste management systems periodically become part of the waste. The devices used to detect air pollution levels, add to the landfills every now and then. On paper this seems like a small price to pay; the consequence however stems from the worldwide usage and low lifetimes of these devices.
What has led to the increase in e-waste?
Mindlessness and the constant upgrades in the market foreshadow the abundance of e-waste. And if we do not talk about it now, the consequences will be dire.
Rising number of devices
The range of ‘Smart technology’ has been made possible by the minuscule size of microcontrollers and sensors. They range from smart watches, sensors and are now being integrated into even clothing! By adding technology to every device, we are also surmounting a considerable amount of potential waste. According to ASSOCHAM, the compound annual growth rate of electronic waste is 30%. They released a study in 2018 that estimated India to generate 5.2 million tons of e-waste by the end of 2020.
Frequent replacement
Not only are there increasing number of IoT devices, the life spans of such devices have seen a drastic reduce. Products that lasted 10-15 years when less ‘smart’, now have to be replaced every 4-5 years. The ‘upgrades’ both in hardware and software stop supporting older devices and force the consumer to invest in newer devices and discard the old.
Battery longevity:
Smaller devices run on battery, usually cannot be replaced once the battery dies out due to the intricacy of placing it. It is simply discarded with no regard for consequence and another is purchased.
Energy dispended = energy wasted:
Smart devices have the claim to fame that they save energy. But when it boils down to wastage, energy and resources used to manufacture smart devices become obsolete and add to waste when they are thrown away. Most obsolete devices reach the garbage dumps, rather than going through the path of recycling.
Is there a solution to this e-waste problem?
Smart devices are here to stay and beyond question improve our quality and ease of life. So, limiting the usage of these devices is out of the question. But what can we collectively do to save ourselves from the impeding e-waste that this ease brings?
Invest in reducing the carbon footprint
An estimate of emission from manufacturing a typical smart phone is 16kg CO2. Including the usage, and number of phones even each house has the emission surmounts significantly. Not just smartphones, even sensors and microcontrollers have their own carbon footprint. Investing in devices and manufacturers that take conscious decisions towards the environmental impact can make a large difference.
Longer lifespans
The truth about most of the devices that end up as e-waste is that the manufacturers develop products, and also updates that are compatible with newer devices only. So, periodically newer products stop getting patch updates and are required to be discarded. The number of companies that are willing to support older devices are only a handful. Allowing older devices and selling newer updates, rather than newer devices could ensure that consumption and hence waste is limited.
Recycling e-waste:
Recycling is truly the way of reducing e-waste to the minimum possible. We know that recycling means to reuse. Recycling can mean to donate the devices to someone else if it is still working and you just need an upgrade. It also means processing the e-waste to separate the reusable metal from it. Parts that can still be used are separated and reused for manufacturing.
What does this mean for each of us in the future?
IoT, like any other good has a flip side. But in its case, the net is beneficial to the world. Mindfulness however is a trait that every user and manufacturer must develop for long-term sustenance. At the end of the day we must remember the consequences of the waste we generate. Whether it be the new phone you want, or the latest smart watch you are eyeing keep in mind to think. Think about the waste you are generating. And if you must, turn to sustainable recycling. There are several e-waste recycling facilities that will come and pick up the appliances to recycle. In India, Namo e-waste and E-Parisaraa Private Limited provide services to most areas. There are also several not for profit organisations that periodically collect e-waste and recycle it.
Always keep in mind that a new, better future should include the interests of the world as a whole for the long term. It must be both sustainable, and transparent. The manufacturers and developers of IoT devices have a large responsibility in this process, but as consumers we must ensure to let our opinions and voice be heard as well as make informed decisions in the future.
