Have youheard of e-waste (电子垃圾), which can be produced every day? How do you deal with yourcomputers, MP4 players or mobile phones when they're broken or you want a newone?

    Mostpeople just throw them away. With the development of electronic industry (电子产业), e-waste pollution has becomea serious problem. According to the United Nations, in 2014, people around theworld produced 41.8 million tons (吨) of e—waste and only recycled 6.5 million tons. The US was the biggestwaster, producing 7.1 million tons. China came second, with 6 million tons.

    It'simportant to pay attention to e-waste. It can be either valuable or harmful,depending on how we deal with it. E-waste is a valuable urban mine (城市矿藏). The value of the metals,like gold and silver in the waste around the world, is surprising. And themetals can be reused. But if people throw them away, the toxic chemicals (有毒化学物质) can get into the earth or air,affectingthe environmentand people's health.

    Apple, forexample, now recycles people's used products in China when they are buying newones. The company will test and repair the used ones and sell them at lowerprices. To help reduce e-waste, we can buy longer-lasting electronic products.If you have unwanted electronics, find a new home for them. You can also takecomputers and phones to companies to see if they offer recycling programs.