http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/11/20/china.toxic.electronics.ap/index.htmlThousands of computers and electronics are discarded every year. Many of us honestly believe that we dispose of our e-waste through channels that end in safe recycling centers under the close vigilance of EPA and OSHA. We couldn't be further from the truth.
The U.S. exports most of its e-waste for recycling and primarily to China, claiming it is 10 times cheaper than recycling it at home. China, on its own, produces over 1 million tons of e-waste each year, and additionally receives "about 70 percent of the 20-50 million tons of electronic waste produced globally each year."
The U.S. and other countries are ignoring international environmental and human rights agreements and regulations. In recycling areas like Guiyu, not only are China's water and land being heavily contaminated, Chinese workers are being exposed to severe health hazards, and for minimal wages. ""Of course, recycling is more environmentally sound," said Wu Song, a former local university student who has studied the area. "But I wouldn't really call what's happening here recycling (see link).""
Regardless of its sophistication, as long as technology causes such damage, I believe it is far from advanced because we have yet to see technology that takes care of its own waste.
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