The largest e-waste (electronic waste) waste dump in the world is located in Guiyu, China. This waste site employs over 150,000 people that work up to 16 hours a day dismantling electronic waste. They can spend this time either recycling or discarding the waste.
As you might have guessed, the effects on the environment are absolutely devastating and the general public health of the workers and the residents is terrible due to all of the deadly chemicals and metals that are emitted from incinerating and disposing of the waste. Some of the waste can cause damage by just sitting there. The chemicals might seep from the electronics after a rainstorm and into the ground, damaging local aquifers and the ground quality.
It is actually illegal to import electronic waste from China, but since the electronic waste is so profitable for the government, the officials might just overlook that on their next visit for a routine inspection. The people of Guiyu bring in an estimated $7,500,000 from disposing of the e-waste.
The conditions of Guiyu sound terrible. I am just so glad that many that are reading this never have to experience this ever in their lives. Until tomorrow, Mr. Nations out!
People often have to work around the small children that live in a world of scrap electronics
Fun Facts:
- The air in Guiyu often smells of noxious metals and burning plastic.
- It is estimated that only 12.5% of all e-waste is actually recycled.
- Workers do not even wear gloves when dismantling electronic devices and are exposed to deadly toxins such as chromium and lead.
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