What Is E-Waste?
E-waste is discarded electrical or electronic equipment. It is also called electronic waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), or end-of-life (EOL) electronics. Any device with a plug, battery, or circuit board can become e-waste once it is thrown away.
Common Examples of E-Waste
E-waste includes many everyday items:
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Smartphones and laptops
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Televisions and monitors
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Refrigerators and toasters
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Printers, batteries, and chargers
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Medical and solar equipment
A device becomes e-waste when it is broken, outdated, or replaced by a newer model.
Why E-Waste Matters
E-waste is one of the fastest growing solid waste streams in the world. The World Health Organization reports that about 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced globally in 2022. Less than a quarter of it was recycled properly. Correct disposal protects people and the environment, and recovers useful materials.
Simple Comparison
| Item | Is it e-waste when discarded? |
|---|---|
| Old laptop | Yes |
| Broken toaster | Yes |
| Paper bag | No |
| Old phone charger | Yes |
Thinvent Products and Electronic Equipment
Thinvent manufactures industrial computers, mini PCs, thin clients and all-in-one PCs. Thinvent products are built to stay in service for longer, which reduces the amount of equipment that becomes e-waste. Thinvent range includes the Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5, Thinvent Industrial PC IPC3, Thinvent Aero Mini PC, Thinvent Treo Mini PC and Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client.
