Hazardous Waste

Last updated: 4 April 2026

Hazardous Waste refers to materials that pose significant risks to human health and the environment due to their toxicity, corrosiveness, reactivity, or ignitability.

Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 23 March 2026

In electronics recycling, hazardous waste includes components like lead in cathode ray tubes (CRTs), mercury in switches and lamps, cadmium in rechargeable batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. These materials can leach into soil and water if improperly disposed of, leading to long-term environmental damage. For instance, a single CRT monitor contains around four pounds of lead. If not recycled properly, the lead can contaminate groundwater and affect human health.

Why does this matter for consumers and businesses? Improper disposal of e-waste exposes communities to toxic chemicals and often leads to illegal dumping in developing countries where regulations are less stringent. In 2019, only about 26% of global e-waste was collected and recycled properly according to the Global E-Waste Monitor report by the United Nations University. This means that a significant portion of hazardous waste ends up in landfills or is incinerated, releasing harmful chemicals into the air and soil.

According to the Apple Environmental Report 2024, apple recovered over 1 tonne of gold from recycled devices in 2023.

When disposing of electronics, it's important for consumers and businesses to understand what constitutes hazardous waste so they can choose responsible recycling options. Related terms include "e-waste," which encompasses all discarded electrical and electronic equipment, and "electronic scrap" (e-scrap), a subset of e-waste that includes parts intended for reuse or refurbishment.

By ensuring proper disposal through certified recyclers, consumers play a critical role in preventing environmental contamination and supporting ethical recycling practices.

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