As we approach the end of the year, a time of celebration and gifts, many children eagerly await the arrival of new toys electronics.
However, this moment of joy and enthusiasm also brings with it a less visible side: the significant increase in the disposal of toys with electronic devices.
The cycle of gifts and purchases during the festive season often results in a worrying increase in this type of waste, as these toys are often replaced with newer models.
Toys greatly increase the volume of electronic waste
Image: Mega Curioso/Reproduction
According to a report by the WEEE Forum, around 7 billion tons of electronic toys were discarded globally in 2022, resulting in an environmental crisis due to the lack of recycling.
The lack of regulations and awareness regarding the correct disposal of toys with electronic components, such as batteries and circuit boards, contributes to this global environmental problem.
Improper disposal of electronic toys significantly contributes to the environment pollution. These products often contain toxic substances, such as lead, mercury and cadmium, present in their batteries and circuits.
When dumped in landfills, these toxic materials can leach into soil and water, contaminating the environment and posing risks to human health and wildlife.
The challenge with electronic waste, especially related to electronic toys, is the lack of collection sites and efficient recycling policies.
While between 20% and 30% of major electronics are recycled globally, only around 10% of electronic toys go through this process.
Experts suggest that regulators and the toy industry need to become more actively involved to resolve this crisis. waste.
Expanding collection schemes to include more types of electronic products and changing attitudes towards disposable toys are essential steps to mitigating the environmental impact of this problem.
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