Do millennials recycle electronic waste more than any other generations?

Justin Brady

Integration of Knowledge 285Section 59

May 9, 2016

More than 4.6 million tons of electronic waste ends up in landfills around the world and

continues to become a major problem for our world that we must address as a society. Electronic

waste (E-waste) is the name for any electronic device at the end of the device’s life. The term e-

waste has no clear definition. However, some examples include: computers, televisions, VCRs,

stereos, copiers, fax machines and even batteries. Many of these items can be recycled but most

of them end up in landfills. Electronic materials contain materials that could be consider

hazardous. Toxic chemicals from improper disposal of e-waste can be leached into the ground or

released into the air. It is crucial that as a society, all generations take action in solving this

problem. Millennials grew up in times where technology flourished and the amount of e-waste

increased drastically. Due to this reason, are millennials more likely to recycle electronic waste

than other generations?

Background

Many electronics either gather dust in storage waiting to be reused or recycled or thrown

away. The environmental protections agency (EPA) estimates that three quarters of the

computers in the U.S. are stockpiled in garages and closets (Where Does e-waste end up?).

When e-waste is thrown away it can end up in three places: landfills, incinerators or exported to

Asia. Toxic chemicals are released into the air impacting neighborhoods nearby. Most countries

have some sort of regulations on e-waste. For example, Hong Kong only allows 10-20 percent of

computers in landfills. When electronics are burned into incinerators, mercury is released into

the water supply and can affect the food chain especially fish. Once released into the water

supply, it can expose to the general public. Reusing electronics is a good way to increase a

product’s lifespan. Most of first world countries, United States, Australia, European Union and

Japan, export their e-waste to developing countries. These developing countries, China and India,

the recycling workers are children. This leads the children to be vulnerable to being poisoned by

e-waste that was improbably disposed of. Recycling is a good alternative, however, it could

harm some recycling workers when exposed to hazardous materials(Where Does e-waste end

up?). That’s why it is crucial to recycle e-waste in the correct manner. In 2005, 47 percent of

exports of e-waste was considered illegal. Over the years, the life duration of a computer has

dropped dramatically. In 1997, the life span of a computer was six years and the average life of a

computer in 2005 was two years. Mobile phones only have a life of two years (Global

Partnership on Waste Management). The short life of these electronics due to rapidly evolving

technology and consumer need for the latest and greatest product are some of reasons e-waste

has grown rapidly.

Much of the e-waste ends up being thrown out, however there are many alternatives to

this. There are other routes to take before recycling e-waste. Recycling should always be the

last effect. A consumer should first determine if the electronics can be repaired or refurbished.

Even if the electronic is broken, there are usable components that may be repurposed for building

or repairing other systems. If the electronic device still works it can be donated to charities,

non-profit organizations or local schools that could find better uses for it. If a consumer is

constantly upgrading to the latest gadgets and doesn’t want the responsibility of dealing with the

wear and tear should consider leasing instead of purchasing. These take back programs allow

consumers to return their old equipment to the vendor when the purchase new ones.

Recycling e-waste is also the best and last alternative if the other are inapplicable.

Recycling electronic devices have many benefits because many electronic products are made

from some valuable resources and materials. Metals, plastic and glass can be reused and

recycled from e-waste. Donating and recycling electronics can also help conserve natural

resources. Recycling also helps avoid air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse emissions.

Recycling one million laptops saves the same amount of energy as 3,500 U.S. homes in a year.

For every one million cell phones we recycle we can recover 35 thousand pounds of copper, 772

pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium (Valuable Substances in e-

waste).

The key to a bright future for generations to come, is to inform others of the importance

of recycling and giving them the tools to learn how recycle correctly. The way to do this is by

educating others. It is important for people to know what counts as e-waste and determining if

recycling it is always the best option. Banning illegal e-waste disposal can also help. 15 states

have already banned the disposal of e-waste in landfills. Providing collection centers makes it

easier for people to recycle. Oregon and Washington require every city and county over 10,000

people to have a collection site. If every county and city across the United States, just think of

what a positive impact it would have on recycling e-waste.

Methods

I conducted a survey and in this survey I asked 15 questions regarding electronic waste.

To view the entire survey please look at the appendix. I asked topics ranging of how people get

rid of their electronic waste to what generations they belonged to. I posted my survey on

Facebook which directed them to www.surveymonkey.com. Since the people who choose to do

this survey was random and there was no bias. A total of 41 people completed the survey, which

is a good sample size. The individuals who took the survey spanned four generations. The Baby

Boomer generation was born between 1946-1964. Generation X, were those individuals born

between 1965 and 1979. Millennials (Generation Y) are those born between 1980 and 1995.

Generation Z are those individuals born between 1996 and 2010. To analyze these results I used

the analytic tool provided through www.surveymonkey.com and also the very powerful analytic

tool, Tableau.

Findings

Table 1: Breakdown of survey participants

A total of 41 participants took part in the survey regarding e-waste. 25% of the

participants who took the survey were Baby Boomers and born between the years 1946 and

1964. 21% of the participants were from Generation X and born between the years 1965 and

1979. 46% of the participants were from Generation Y and born between the years 1980 and

1995. 8% of the participants were from Generation Z and born between the years 1996 and

2010. The largest sample size came from the millennial generation. This was extremely helpful

in determining if our hypothesis was correct.

Table 2: What do you do with your E-waste?

When analyzing how generations got rid of their e-waste, there were some very

interesting findings. Generation X, a 37.5% of the generation, was the most likely group to

utilize a drop off e-waste recycling center over any other generation. Generation Z, 67% of the

generation, were the most likely generation to give or sell electronics to a personal contact.

Generation Y, 63% of the generation, were most likely to you keep electronic items at home.

Generation Y, 26% of that generation, were the most likely generation to utilize selling or

trading in electronics to a company like AT&T or Best Buy. Generation X, 26% of the

generation, was the most likely generation to throw their elecronics in the trash over Generation

Y and the Baby Boomer Generation. Generation Z, the youngest generation, didn’t even

consider throwing electronics in the trash.

Table 3: Would you be more likely to recycle if given a monetary incentive?

Of all the generations, Generation Z was the generations most motivated by money to

recycle their electronics. Generation X was the 2nd most likely generations to recycle electronics

if given monetary compensation. Generation Y was the least likely generation motivated by

money to recycle. Generation Y was also the most unsure generation. 35% were unsure if

money was a motivator in recycling.

Table 3: Do you consider your unused electronics to be waste, or to have another purpose?

The Baby Boomer generation, 60%, was the most likely to think unused electronics could

be utilized for components and its raw materials. Generation X, 44%, was the most likely to say

that utilizing unused electronics was conditional on whether the electronic was functional.

Generation Z, 67%, was the most likely to believe of all the generations that unused electronics

could be repaired or reused. Generation X, 22%, was the most likely of the generations to

believe that unused electronics were waste.

Table 4: Why is it important to recycle waste?

All the generations believed the most important reason to recycle waste was to prevent

the poisoning of our Earth and its inhabitants. The second most important reason for recycling

across all the generations was to protect the Earth. Generation X was the least decisive in its

reasoning for recycling. Generation X believed in addition to the top two reasons that it was also

the right thing to do, that we can reuse materials in electronics, and to serve as an example for

future generations. Generation X was also the only generation to answer to serve as an example

for future generations. Generation Z, 67%, and Generation Y, 42%, felt most strongly of all the

generations that recycling is crucial to prevent the poisoning of our Earth and its inhabitants.

Table 5: Which of the following hazardous elements is most commonly found in e-waste, and is linked to nervous system, brain, and kidney damage?

All generations are aware that mercury and lead are the most hazardous elements found

in e-waste. However, Generation X and Z were the most aware that mercury specifically is

responsible for nervous system, brain, and kidney damage.

Table 6: If given the correct information and locations to recycle e-waste, would you be more likely to recycle e-waste?

Of all the generations only Generation Y would still be unlikely to recycle e-waste if

given the correction information and locations. Generation X and Y were the only generations

that were indecisive about recycling after given this correct information. All of Generation Z

and Baby Boomers would recycle if given the correct information on how to dispose of e-waste.

Of Generation X and Y, Generation X is more like to recycle, 89%, over Generation Y at 79%. \

Table 7: What was your reason for purchasing new cell phones and/or computers?

Only Generation Z and Y purchase new cell phones and computers because of physical

damage. Baby Boomers are most likely to purchase new technology because of loss of function.

The need of greater functionality is the driving force for Generation Y while desire for the

newest technology is most important to Generation X.

Discussion

According to the Article: Are Millennials Environmentally Friendly? Millennials seem to

be more knowledgeable and have concern about electronic waste then previous generations. 45%

percent of millennials are also likely to refuse to buy a company’s product if they find out it is

involved in a controversial social or environmental issues. Millennials are also three times more

likely to apply a job at a company because its efforts for social or environmental causes. While

Generation Y feels strongly about the environment and corporate responsibilities, it seems they

don’t have the follow through that other generation’s exhibit. The Baby Boomer generation are

more likely to recycle. 66 percent of Baby Boomers surveyed said they make an effort to recycle

everything they possible can (Greenest Generation: Baby Boomers or Millennials?).

When analyzing how generations got rid of their e-waste, there were some very

interesting findings. Generation X was the most likely group to utilize a drop off e-waste

recycling center over any other generation. Generation Z were the most likely generation to give

or sell electronics to a personal contact. Generation Y were most likely to keep electronic items

at home. Generation Y was also more likely as a generation to utilize selling or trading in

electronics to a company like AT&T or Best Buy. Generation X, however, was the most likely

generation to throw their elecronics in the trash over Generation Y and the Baby Boomer

Generation. Generation Z, the youngest generation, didn’t even consider throwing electronics in

the trash at all. Of all the generations only, Generation Y would be the most unlikely to recycle

e-waste if given the correction information and locations. Generation X and Y were the only

generations that were indecisive about recycling after given this correct information. All of

Generation Z and Baby Boomers would recycle if given the correct information on how to

dispose of e-waste. Of Generation X and Y, Generation X is more like to recycle over

Generation Y.

It seems the younger generations are careless with their electronics. Generation Z and Y

were the only generations likely to purchase new cell phones and computers because of physical

damage. Baby Boomers are most likely to purchase new technology because of loss of function.

The need of greater functionality is the driving force for Generation Y while desire for the

newest technology is most important to Generation X.

Of all the generations, Generation Z was the generation most motivated by money to

recycle their electronics. Generation X was the 2nd most likely generation to recycle electronics

if given monetary compensation. Generation Y was the least likely generation motivated by

money to recycle. Generation Y was also the most unsure generation. The Baby Boomer

generation was the most likely to think unused electronics could be utilized for components and

its raw materials. Generation X was the most likely to say that utilizing unused electronics was

conditional on whether the electronic was functional. Generation Z was the most likely to

believe of all the generations that unused electronics could be repaired or reused. Generation X

was the most likely of the generations to believe that unused electronics were waste.

All the generations believed the most important reason to recycle waste was to prevent

the poisoning of our Earth and its inhabitants. The second most important reason for recycling

across all the generations was to protect the Earth.

Conclusion

Millennials have surpassed Baby Boomers as the nation’s largest living generation,

according to population estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau (Millennials overtake Baby

boomers). With being the largest living generation in the United States, it is crucial that we focus

on Generation Y and recycling e-waste. From the survey given, it seems that Generation Y

would still be unlikely to recycle e-waste if given the correction information and locations.

Generation Y were also the most likely to keep electronic items at home. According to my

hypothesis, it appears that Generation Y is not more likely to recycle e-waste than other

generations. The Baby Boomer generation and Generation Z are more motivated to recycle e-

waste and realize the importance for Earth and inhabitants. They also recognize the importance

of reusing electronics and its raw goods. Generation X appears to only be motivated monetarily

to recycle. It is crucial that we emphasize the importance of all generations, particularily

Generation X and Y, the importance of recycling and reusing e-waste. Future generations and

inhabitants of the Earth lives are dependent on it

Appendix

Recycling E-waste Survey

1. Which of the following are acceptable options for disposing of your old electronics?

Throwing in your trash can

Throwing in a generic recycling can

Disassembling the device on your own

Taking the device to an approved electronics recycling center2. How frequently have you needed to dispose of/replace old electronics in the past?

Every 0-3 months

Every 3-6 months

Every 6-12 months

Every 12-24 months3. What of the following constitutes electronic waste (e-waste)?

Batteries

Laptops

Cell Phones

Calculators

CD/DVDs

Only B, C, or D

All of the above4. Which of following e-waste recycling programs would you be most likely to utilize?

Battery disposal bins

Small electronics recycling bins (<e.g.> computer mice, keyboards, cell phones, mp3’s, etc.)

Computers,TV’s,Printers, etc. pick-up services/drop-off locations

Local end of the year E-waste collection drives

None

5. Although E-waste makes up about 20% of America’s landfills, they account for over 70% of toxic waste. Which of the following hazardous elements is most commonly found in e-waste, and is linked to nervous system, brain, and kidney damage?

Chlorine

Mercury

Lead

Beryllium

Cadmium6. Do you use household electronics, namely computers and mobile phones?

No

Only Mobiles

Only computers

Both7. How many mobile phones and computers have you purchased/replaced in the past 10 years

1-5

5-10

10-15

15-20

20+

None8. Of the ones you have purchased in the past 10 years, how many do you still use?

1-5

6-10

11-15

16-20

20+

None9. What was your reason for purchasing new cell phones and/or computers?

Physical Damage

Loss of Function

Need for Greater Functionality

Desire for Newest Technology

Other10. What have you done with the electronics that you no longer use?

Kept in home

Given/Sold to a personal contact

Dropped off at e-waste recycling center

Sold/Trade-in to company 

Trash11. Would you be more likely to recycle e-waste if given a monetary amount?

Yes

No

Unsure12. Do you consider your unused electronics to be waste, or to have another purpose?

No, Can be Repaired and/or Reused

Can Utilize Components / Raw Materials

Yes, It Is Waste

Conditional (dependent on whether product is functioning)13. What generation do you fall under?

Baby Boomer (born between 1946-1964)

Generation X (born between 1965-1979)

Generation Y (Millennials) (born between 1980-1995)

Generation Z (born between 1996-2010)

14. If given the correct information and locations to recycle e-waste, would you be more likely to recycle e-waste?

Yes

No

Maybe15. Why is it important to recycle e waste?

Protect the Earth

Prevent the poisoning our Earth and its inhabitants 

It's the law

It's the right thing to do

It's rewarding to have an impact

To serve as an example to future generations

We can reuse materials in old electronics 

I will feel better about myself if I recycle

Works Cited

1. Greenpeace (2016). Where does E-Waste Go? Retrieved April, 2016,

http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/detox/electronics/the-e-waste-

problem/where-does-e-waste-end-up/

2. United Nations Environment Programme. (n.d.). Global Partnership on Waste

Management. Retrieved April, 2016 

http://www.unep.org/gpwm/FocalAreas/E-WasteManagement/tabid/56458/  

3. ewasteguide.info. (n.d.).Valuable Substances in e-waste. Retrieved Apr., 2016,

http://ewasteguide.info/node/220  

4. "Are Millennials Environmentally Friendly?" Carbon XPrint. 01 July 2015. Web. 26

Apr. 2016.

http://www.triplepundit.com/2013/04/greenest-generation-baby-boomers-millennials/

5. "Baby Boomers Are Better Recyclers than 'millennials'" Recycling International. 30 May

2013. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.

http://www.recyclinginternational.com/recycling-news/7135/other-news/united-states/

baby-boomers-are-better-recyclers-039-millennials-039

6. “Millennials overtake Baby Boomers as America’s largest generation”

PewResearchCenter 25 April, 2016 Web. May 2016

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/04/25/millennials-overtake-baby-boomers/