How to Properly Dispose of Electronic Waste and Contribute to the Environment

Understanding Electronic Waste and Its Environmental Relevance

Electronic waste consists of discarded electromechanical equipment, such as computers, cell phones, televisions, and other electronic devices that, when deactivated, may contain materials harmful to the environment and human health. Properly disposing of these materials is essential to minimize negative environmental impacts and ensure the recovery of valuable components.

Legislation Applied to the Disposal of Electroelectronic Waste in Brazil

In Brazil, the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12,305/2010) establishes guidelines for the integrated management and environmentally appropriate disposal of solid waste, including electroelectronic waste. Article 33 of the law defines shared responsibility for the product life cycle, which includes the manufacturer through to the final consumer.

Additionally, the National Information System on Solid Waste Management (SINIR), regulated by Decree No. 10,936/2022, guides proper waste management by providing official information on procedures and public policies regarding solid waste, including the correct disposal of electronic waste (sinir.gov.br).

Proper Methods for Disposal and Forwarding

Improper disposal of electronic waste can lead to soil contamination, groundwater pollution, and the emission of toxic gases due to elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants present in the devices.

For correct disposal, it is recommended to use specialized collection points or recognized electronic waste collection services. These initiatives ensure the forwarding of waste to recycling, reuse, or environmentally appropriate final disposal processes.

Safe Disposal of Digital Media and Storage Devices

Safe disposal of media containing sensitive data, such as hard drives (HDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), or other storage devices, requires specific procedures to ensure data sanitization and prevent leakage of confidential information.

It is recommended to use specialized services in secure HD disposal and electronic media sanitization that follow strict protocols for data deletion, physical destruction, or demagnetization.

Contribution to Circular Economy and Corporate Sustainability

Proper forwarding of electronic waste reduces the need for extracting virgin raw materials, saves energy, and decreases environmental pollution. The recovery of metals and other recyclable materials contributes to the circular economy, a model that values reuse and the sustainable cycle of resources.

Adopting responsible management practices for electroelectronic waste is a strategic action for those seeking alignment with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, complying with current legislation and promoting socio-environmental responsibility.

Final Recommendations for Proper Disposal

• Identify authorized collection points or certified operators to forward electronic waste;
• Avoid disposing of electronic devices in regular household waste;
• Consider proper sanitization before disposal for devices with data storage;
• Verify the compliance of the chosen service with current technical and environmental standards;
• Keep records and proofs when applicable, ensuring control and traceability of disposal.

This set of best practices ensures not only the mitigation of environmental risks and information security but also legal compliance, which is fundamental for managers responsible for areas such as ESG, EHS, and legal departments.

Sources consulted: Law No. 12,305/2010 - National Solid Waste Policy, SINIR, EcoBraZ.