My school requires all students to have an Apple I-pad for class, and when I use mine in class, I remember the impact that throwing out my electronics has on the environment. Sometimes, we have to throw our electronics away when they are broken or when we want to switch to a new model. In our increasingly technological society, it?s no surprise that the rate that electronic waste (e-waste) generated is increasing as well.

China is, according to a 2013 United Nations report, China is the largest global dumping site for e-waste (http://ourworld.unu.edu/en/assessing-and-improving-the-e-waste-problem-in-china). E-waste can cause significant damage to the surrounding ecosystems and impact the livelihood of local peoples.  For example, in the southeastern town of Guiyu is a massive e-waste dump, where local people dismantle the electronic junk and sell still-valuable parts back to companies.

 However, the local people suffer from the dirty work they do toxic pollution results from burning circuit boards, plastic and copper wires, or washing them in hydrochloric acid to recover valuable metals. Hydrocarbon ashes are released into the air, water and soil, polluting the air and, for first-time visitors, leaving a burning sensation in peoples? eyes. Studies by Shantou University Medical College found that many children in Guiyu had higher than average levels of lead in their blood, which may pose negative implications for brain development and nervous system function. In testing the rice form rice paddies near Guiyu, the city?s Food and Drug Administration found that samples showed high levels of toxic cadmium in rice and rice noodles.

Residents agree that the situation has improved since many years ago, in 2007. The Chinese government has had some success with regulating the e-waste disposal industry with the ?Home Appliance Old for New Rebate Program,? instituted from 2009 to 2011.

Most of the stock results from domestic waste, even though a small portion is brought in illegally from Hong Kong. The amount of domestic e-waste generated is steadily increasing as peoples? standards of living rise and consumerism takes hold in the nation.

Some more articles to read, if you are interested:

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-17782718

http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/30/world/asia/china-electronic-waste-e-waste/

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2603540/chinas-toxic-ewaste-capital-is-cleaning-up-its-act.html

- Jane