Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

Trump Proposes Reopening Alcatraz; Critics Call Plan Irresponsible

May 7, 2025

Trump to Address Congress During Seventh Week of Return to Oval Office

March 2, 2025

VA Secretary Defends New Healthcare Facility Amid ‘Fake News’ Criticism of DOGE

March 17, 2025

Trump Administration Revokes Legal Status for Over 530,000 Migrants

March 22, 2025

US National Security Advisor Predicts Swift End to Ukraine War with Trump Leadership

February 21, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • İstanbul Governor Imposes Fines for Loud Music in Public Spaces
  • Trump Lauds U.S.-Brokered Peace Agreement Between Congo and Rwanda
  • Venezuelan Opposition Member Describes Forced Hiding from Maduro’s Regime
  • Trump Labels Zohran Mamdani as ‘Communist’
  • Ninth Escaped New Orleans Inmate Captured After Six-Week Manhunt
  • Divers Explore 1904 Shipwreck Over 500 Feet Deep Off Sydney Coast
  • U.S. to Revoke Immigration Status for Haitian Migrants in September
  • Minimum Wage Increases Coming in 15 States and Cities This July
  • Supreme Court Restricts Federal Judges’ Authority Over Presidential Orders
  • Natasha Cloud Backs Socialist Candidate Zohran Mamdani for NYC Mayor
  • WHO Report suggests COVID-19 origins may include zoonotic spillover and keeps lab leak theory under consideration
  • Three Factors Fuel Record Stock Week with Seven Portfolio Stocks Reaching New Highs
  • UVA President Resigns Amid Federal Investigation
  • China’s CATL Expands Global Presence, Impact on Battery Market Explored
  • 3.5 Tons of Cocaine Seized from ‘Narco Sub’ in Pacific Ocean Off Mexico
  • Luxury Doomsday Bunkers Set to Open in 2026 for Wealthy Clients
  • Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Parents Challenging Children’s Books on Gender Identity and Sexuality
  • AI-Generated Videos Spread Misinformation on Iran-Israel Conflict, Researchers Warn
  • Diddy’s Lawyer Calls Prosecution a “Fake Trial” in Closing Argument
  • Kılıçdaroğlu Urges Intellectuals to Challenge the Status Quo
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Friday, June 27
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » Tech » New Method for Extracting Value from Electronic Waste Unveiled
New Method for Extracting Value from Electronic Waste Unveiled

New Method for Extracting Value from Electronic Waste Unveiled

News EditorBy News EditorMay 1, 2025 Tech 5 Mins Read

In Freeport, New York, eWorks is redefining the process of electronic waste recycling. With piles of discarded televisions, personal computers, and printers, the organization is on a mission to extract valuable resources from what many consider junk. Under the leadership of CEO Mark Wilkins, the team combines innovative techniques and social responsibility, employing individuals with disabilities to tackle the growing e-waste crisis.

Article Subheadings
1) The Growing E-Waste Problem
2) Innovative Gold Extraction Methods
3) eWorks’ Commitment to Employment
4) Environmental Implications of E-Waste
5) Future Directions for E-Waste Recycling

The Growing E-Waste Problem

According to a recent United Nations report, the global production of electronic waste reached a staggering 62 million tons in 2022, representing an 82% increase from just a decade prior. This troubling trend indicates that societal reliance on technology continues to rise, with items like outdated cellphones and laptops contributing significantly to this growing crisis. As technology rapidly evolves, many devices quickly fall out of favor, leading to an accumulation of discarded electronics.

The rising e-waste figures are alarming, especially when considering that by 2030, experts predict this volume could surge to 80 million metric tons annually. The components within these devices, including precious metals like gold, raise both environmental and financial concerns. How to responsibly manage e-waste remains a pressing question for societies around the globe.

Innovative Gold Extraction Methods

In light of the escalating amounts of e-waste, innovative solutions to recover valuable resources have become increasingly critical. Research conducted by Alireza Abbaspourrad, an associate professor at Cornell University, demonstrates that electronic waste contains more gold than traditional ore mines. For instance, one million used cellphones can yield approximately 70 to 85 pounds of gold.

Traditionally, extracting gold from electronics has necessitated harmful chemicals, like cyanide, which pose environmental risks. However, Abbaspourrad and his team have developed a groundbreaking method that utilizes an organic compound akin to a sponge, which selectively absorbs gold ions, providing a more eco-friendly alternative. This innovative approach can facilitate the recycling of gold, making it feasible to reuse in solar panels, electronics, and even pieces of jewelry.

eWorks’ Commitment to Employment

As a part of this e-waste recovery mission, eWorks serves a dual purpose: they aim to address the e-waste crisis while also providing opportunities for employment to individuals with disabilities. Founded over a decade ago, eWorks has created numerous jobs within the community, embodying a mission to empower marginalized individuals through training and education.

Approximately 48% of eWorks’ workforce are individuals with special needs. Mark Wilkins, the CEO, highlights that the organization is dedicated to creating a constructive work environment. He states,

“Our mission is to provide training, education, and employment for people with disabilities.”

This model not only benefits employees but also contributes to a sustainable approach to electronic waste management.

Environmental Implications of E-Waste

The environmental challenges posed by e-waste are substantial. Discarded electronics often contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into soil and groundwater if disposed of improperly. This pollution poses health risks to communities and wildlife. Therefore, effective e-waste management and responsible recycling processes are crucial.

Wilkins emphasizes the growing awareness of these issues, noting,

“I think the world right now is much more aware of it.”

The innovative extraction methods being developed, along with community efforts like those at eWorks, can play a significant role in reducing the environmental burden associated with electronic waste.

Future Directions for E-Waste Recycling

Looking ahead, the future of e-waste recycling appears promising yet challenging. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, devising effective and safe methods to recycle and recover valuable materials will be essential. Numerous companies and research institutions are investigating new techniques that not only minimize environmental impact but also make recycling financially viable.

The ongoing work at eWorks and partnerships with academic institutions like Cornell represent a step towards improved practices. The possibility of broader implementation of eco-friendly methods could increase public interest and participation in recycling initiatives, thus addressing both the environmental impact and the financial incentives for responsible disposal.

No. Key Points
1 eWorks in Freeport, New York is focused on recycling electronic waste.
2 Innovative research is finding ways to extract useful materials like gold from discarded electronics.
3 A significant portion of eWorks’ workforce consists of people with disabilities.
4 Environmental concerns regarding toxic substances in e-waste are increasingly recognized.
5 Future advancements in recycling technologies are essential to manage growing e-waste.

Summary

The burgeoning crisis of electronic waste serves as a call to action, urging innovators, organizations, and policymakers alike to rethink traditional recycling methods. Efforts from eWorks and other pioneers in the industry showcase the potential for sustainable recycling techniques that not only recover valuable materials but also provide meaningful employment opportunities. As awareness grows, the collective push toward effective e-waste management will be instrumental in shaping a more sustainable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why is electronic waste a growing problem?

Electronic waste is a growing problem due to rapid advancements in technology, leading to increased obsolescence of gadgets and devices. The accumulation of outdated electronics poses significant environmental and health risks if not disposed of properly.

Question: How much gold can be recovered from e-waste?

Research indicates that approximately one million used cell phones can yield around 70 to 85 pounds of gold, highlighting the economic potential of recycling electronic waste.

Question: What steps are being taken to improve e-waste recycling?

Innovative methods, such as using organic compounds to extract gold without harmful chemicals, are being developed. Additionally, organizations like eWorks focus on creating job opportunities for individuals with disabilities while addressing the e-waste challenge.

Artificial Intelligence Blockchain Cloud Computing Consumer Electronics Cybersecurity Data Science E-Commerce Electronic Extracting Fintech Gadgets Innovation Internet of Things method Mobile Devices Programming Robotics Software Updates Startups Tech Reviews Tech Trends Technology Unveiled Virtual Reality Waste
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

Tech

Luxury Doomsday Bunkers Set to Open in 2026 for Wealthy Clients

6 Mins Read
Tech

AI-Generated Videos Spread Misinformation on Iran-Israel Conflict, Researchers Warn

6 Mins Read
Tech

New York Advances Nuclear Power Plant Initiative to Achieve Clean Energy Targets

6 Mins Read
Tech

Elon Musk Impersonators Scam Victims with Fake Tesla and Cash Giveaways

7 Mins Read
Tech

AI-Powered Smart Caddie Tracks Golfers Without Remotes

6 Mins Read
Tech

Electric Beach-Cleaning Robot Takes on Plastic Pollution

6 Mins Read
Mr Serdar Avatar

Serdar Imren

News Director

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

Hunter Biden’s Former Partner Discusses Conversation with Trump

March 24, 2025

Trump Reacts to Veteran’s Anti-Biden Sticker in Oval Office Encounter

April 23, 2025

Former Government Watchdog Fired by Trump Dismisses Lawsuit

March 9, 2025

Chamber of Commerce Requests Tariff Exclusions from Trump Administration

May 1, 2025

Trump Unveils F-47 6th-Generation Fighter Jet

March 21, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.