A Los Angeles filmmaker wanted to find out what happened to old electronics once they are shipped outside of the United States.
He teamed up with Gismogul, a refurbishing company, that sent him to West Africa on a cross-Atlantic journey to reveal the truth about electronic recycling.
This is what Alex Gorosh found out in his 4 minute video:
- Almost 50% of U.S. e-waste gets shipped to Agbogbloshie, Ghana, West Africa.
- Once it gets there, workers take it apart, sell some of the scraps and burn the rest.
- “Lots of these guys have no money and no place to sleep. So, it’s just a matter of life because they have to survive.”
- Toxic fumes are harmful to workers and people living at neighboring villages and towns.
- The average life expectancy in Agbogbloshie is 25 years.
- The Alternative? Instead of throwing old gadgets in the trash, send them to specialized companies in the U.S. where they get refurbished, and then donated or re-sold.
So where does one take their electronics whose recycling can be trusted?
Great question Marilyn,
The city of Pasadena (and neighboring cities) have E-Waste recycling days throughout the year. We always post them under our “Events” Page and highlight them on our front page. Please keep checking as we will announce it as soon we get the info.
Thanks!