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What happens to your devices when you throw them away?

That鈥檚 what e-waste (electronic waste) is all about. It鈥檚 the disposal of any electronic devices and accessories like plugs, phones, computers, televisions and games consoles.

According to the World Economic Forum, e-waste is the fastest-growing type of waste in the world and it鈥檚 a major problem for the environment. While most electronic products can be safely recycled, other processes to get rid of electronics can create dangerous substances. When broken or unwanted electronics are dumped in landfills, toxic substances like lead or mercury can go into soil and water.

Teenagers Amy, Nayan, Simeon and Noah share their tips on how you can reduce your e-waste and energy use.

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How can you look after, reuse and recycle devices to reduce e-waste?

Teenagers Amy, Nayan, Simeon and Noah share their tips on how you can reduce your e-waste and energy use.

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Re-use, re-use, re-use

A screenshot of an 8-bit retro platform game, with coins, blocks and ladders in the level

It might be fun to dig out a retro games console from the back of your cupboard and see how much you still enjoy playing some of your old favourites.

You can also lend or share it with family members or friends to make the most out of your device.

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Buy second-hand

When it鈥檚 time to get a new phone, tablet or games console, look out for second-hand or refurbished options.

Refurbished electronics usually come with a warranty and are often in perfect working condition. They might have a few small scratches, but they are also usually much cheaper!

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Take care of your devices

A young man dusts down his games console using a cloth

Looking after your devices can help them last longer.

Whether it鈥檚 a phone or games console, dust them down regularly, use a case to protect them if you can and try not to overcharge them 鈥 as soon as the battery is at 100%, disconnect your device from the charger.

Susha Sooral, Communications Coordinator from environmental charity Hubbub, says that avoiding bending or stretching charging cables can prevent them from fraying. You could try wrapping your chargers with electrical tape to help keep them strong and safe.

Unfortunately, half of all e-waste is made up of electricals that are actually still in working condition, but may just need repairing. If something鈥檚 wrong with your gadget, see if there鈥檚 a repair caf茅 or shop near you and try to fix it before putting it in the bin.

A young man dusts down his games console using a cloth
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Keen to reduce the environmental impact of your devices even more?

Check out these tips below.

  • Turn it off - the easiest and cheapest thing you can do to reduce your energy use is to remember to turn off your digital devices completely (at the wall) after you鈥檝e finished using them 鈥 don鈥檛 leave them on standby.

  • Say no to wireless - wired earphones are generally more durable than wireless ones because you don鈥檛 have to be dependent on batteries within the product to keep it going for longer. Wired earphones free, too (if they came with your original device).

  • Switch off your camera during online calls - online calling uses a lot of energy. Research has suggested that an hour of video calling emits up to 1kg of carbon dioxide and uses up to 12 litres of water. The good news is you could reduce the carbon footprint from your online calls by 96% if you switch off your camera.

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