South Korea is dealing with increasing amounts of waste from electronic devices. These useless or unwanted parts are often called “e-waste.” Tons of old computers, telephones and other devices are often taken to landfills and buried under the ground. The old products may leak toxic or poisonous chemicals. Now, some local governments in South Korea are launching special e-waste recycling programs. The city of Seoul throws out about 10 tons of e-waste each year. About 20 percent of that goes to the Seoul Resource Center, also known as the SR Center. There, electronic devices are taken apart so that valuable metals like gold or copper can be extracted and reused. South Korean officials say metal extraction is a $3.8 billion-dollar industry. Ji Un-geun is the chief executive officer of the SR Center. He says reusing electronic parts is not only about earning profits. He says the goal is to protect the environment. He says, “Our planet has a limited amount of natural resources. Our company contributes to a sustainable society, by conserving these materials.” The United Nations says millions of tons of e-waste end up in developing countries. Lee Tae-hong lives in the South Korean capital. He says recycling is also about protecting personal information from attack. He says, “If devices like phones are not recycled, then they could illegally end up in other countries like China or in India, and personal data could be stolen.” Lee Joo-hong is with the Green Consumers Network. He says the average South Korean buys a new mobile phone every 18 months. He says companies offer special deals to buy new products. He says, “I have had this same phone for 10 years. It is 4 I can do to help conserve our natural resources”
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