Software support is behind the growing e-waste problem

Every outdated device you throw away, every broken gadget, and every new electronic device you acquire ends up becoming e-waste. According to the World Health Organization, e-waste is one of the fastest growing sources of solid waste today. This is a huge problem, mainly because modern electronics can contain hazardous materials that have no place in a landfill. They need to be treated properly, and there are so many of them. Millions of tons of electronic waste accumulate every year. But something else exacerbates the problem and is usually overlooked: software support. When a device reaches the end of its life and no longer receives security and software updates, it’s understandable that people would turn to something that does. This affects not only consumers, but also large organizations, who must replace a multitude of computers and devices.

Microsoft phasing out Windows 10 and ending its support lifecycle is a great example of this. In many cases, Windows 10 computers work fine and will continue to work for years. However, when Microsoft ends security support and leaves potential vulnerabilities unpatched, many businesses have no choice but to move to a more secure platform. This will lead to a huge increase in electronic waste. The reality is that it affects all electronic devices, from smart home devices and wearables like smartwatches to desktop computers, tablets and mobile devices. Sometimes these devices are not abandoned or disposed of because they stopped working or stopped receiving support; it’s simply because they don’t work as well with newer operating system versions or applications, or they can’t run the latest versions of the software you want. Planned obsolescence also occurs when devices are intentionally rendered useless, forcing users to upgrade to the newest model.

Since at least 2014, approximately 1.7 billion pounds of e-waste have been attributed to expired software and disrupted cloud services, according to the US PIRG Education Fund’s Electronic Waste Graveyard. This database also lists a selection of older devices that contribute to the growing e-waste problem, including some of its most recent additions: old Windows 10 computers, abandoned Kindle devices, older Samsung Galaxy Note models, Belkin Wemo smart home devices, and much more.

Communities are rallying around the idea of ​​repairing or securing some of this old technology. For example, The Restart Project offers a toolkit for community repair groups to help them phase out Windows 10. But the real question is: why aren’t some of the large organizations that create and maintain these products doing this?

Organizations like PIRG and the Open Repair Alliance believe there is a path forward to significantly reduce e-waste by expanding software support, extending the life of products, and making them easily repairable. ORA also explains that it is now “cheaper to pollute” than to keep old electronics and handle them responsibly, and that this needs to change. It calls on those who create most of the waste to pay for it, rather than consumers. More importantly, he also advocates reusing old technology and devices, which is something you can do personally.

The takeaway is not that you should immediately stop using all technology and stop buying new equipment. But instead, know what to do with your old technology so that it is recycled and treated responsibly. Also, don’t immediately throw away devices when they reach end of life or when software support ends, if you can help it. There are still ways to use them.

Understanding how to deal with old or no longer secure electronic devices is the first step. Know where designated drop-off centers are located and how to identify dangerous gadgets that can’t go in the trash. You are looking for the symbol of the crossed out trash can if it is available, or if the device has a battery, especially rechargeable, you must take it to an appropriate center. The Computer Technology Association has an easy-to-use recycling locator tool, and Earth911 has another similar tool.

Ultimately, it is not prudent to continue using devices such as computers or phones that no longer have software support as is. They become a bigger target for software vulnerabilities and malicious actors to exploit. But that doesn’t mean you have to throw them away. You can still use them in interesting ways. Consider some use cases for repurposing your old Android phone, for example. You can do the same thing with old technology, old work computers, and almost everything else in your home, including smart speakers, routers, portable devices, and old TVs. There are also a ton of resources to help you, including community sites, video tutorials, and more. You can turn an old tablet into a smart home panel to control your setup, turn your old laptop into a retro gaming console, or even do something nifty with those old smart bulbs.