Thesis: The environmental protection agency (EPA) should work more diligently to introduce legislation to eradicate the digital dumping ground because it is increasing at an alarming rate, it is causing problems with the eco-system and destroying health conditions.

Digital Dumping Ground “E-waste includes computers, entertainment electronics, mobile phones and other items that have been discarded by their original users” (Osuagwu and Ikerionwu, 2010, p. 5). Electronic waste or E-Waste has been an ever growing problem here in the U.S. New and more advanced products have been entering the market at a faster pace since the 1980s. Retailers make their profit by selling. From cellphones to televisions, consumers have been bombard with lots of choices. However, at some point these items will have to be thrown out, and most likely they will end up in a landfill-- digital dumping ground. Landfills are already overfilled with waste such as plastic bottles, bags, etc. Objects such as these take years to break down. Taking that into account, how long will it take a TV, VCR, or a washing machine to break down, if ever? How has this problem developed? Since many Americans are better educated; have better paying positions, they accumulate more waste. Retailers know this, and want to market their products to them. In a materialistic world where more is better, this will eventually create dire consequences. Landfills are already filled with objects that take years to break down. Also, some of those products are leaching poisonous chemicals into the air, and soil. Environmentalists have brought to the attention of the irresponsible companies and to elected officials to find out a better solution for disposal. However, the electronic waste is piling up at an alarming rate, and is being shipped to undeveloped countries as a result. This procedure has been going on for years. An analysis describing the amount of waste produced in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (EPA, July2008) E-Waste isn’t new, old televisions and radios were being thrown out without any worry or consequence. As years passed, newer and better products were introduced. At the same time, consumers had more money to spend and wanted the ‘latest’ product. The push to buy more and often seemed to have come around the 1980s. The 80’s was the decade known for flash and extravagance. During this period the first PC and cellphone were introduced. These products were big, bulky, and expensive. However, some consumers did buy these items to find out a slimmer and more efficient model came out later. What a difference a decade makes, the 1990s picked up where the 1980s left off. There are now bigger TVs, video game consoles, DVD players, etc. As quickly as the manufacturer produces a new product, the consumer snatches it up. Even grandma is upgrading that old console TV for a digital model. Fast forwarding to the 2000s, there are even more choices for the consumers. Electronics and appliances are slimmer now. New products are being put out on the market every year; some products are upgraded versions of the previous year. A solution is greatly needed for the future to tackle the overwhelming amount of E-waste produced. It is estimated that 15-20% of products by weight are being recycled, while 80-85% of waste goes to landfills and incineration, (EOL Management, 2005). Product

(American Psychological Assoc.).References. E-CYLING E-WASTE: THE WAY FORWARD FOR NIGERIA IT AND ELECTRO-MECHANICAL INDUSTRY. International Journal of Academic Research, 2(1), 142-149. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
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