E-Waste Drop Box

I was on my way to a friend’s house, when I saw an e-waste drop box. My friends and I had taken a Transjakarta bus heading to Blok M, and intended to change bus that headed to Ciledug. The Blok M bus stop is a transit stop, where this bus stop connects all different kinds of bus routes. This bus stop was where I spotted the e-waste drop box.

When I saw the banner, I was amazed. I did not expect to see an e-waste drop box there, or anywhere for that matter. So while the bus stop was crowded and people where hurrying up to their destination, I took a chance to take a picture of my founding. Further more, what amazed me was that this drop box is presented by the Department of Environment for the Province of DKI Jakarta.

As per what is written on the banner. An e-waste (electronic waste) is an electric and electronic item or device that is already fried, have a finished life cycle and does not give value or benefit anymore to the owner. Types of e-waste elements and its exposure risk:

-       Cadmium,

used for coating metal, especially steel, iron and copper. It is also in the production of battery and plastic.

Its risk,

if inhaled has an irritative tendency. In the long run will cause effect of poisoning, organ system disturbance inside the body of human and animal.

-       Arsenic

used in the electronic industry, among it are the production of transistor, semiconductor, glass, textile, ceramic, glue and even explosives.

Its risk,

cause metabolism disturbance inside the body of human and animal, cause poisoning and even death.

-       PCBs

Commonly used in materials like plastic, adhesive, transformer, capacitor, hydraulic system, light ballast, and other electronic devices.

Its risk,

persistent in the environment, easy to accumulate in the fat tissue of human and animal. Disturbs the digestive system and is carcinogenic.