We are getting clean energy through solar power generation. There is no doubt about that. But this clean energy comes with a big toll. In recent times it has been a little challenge to dispose of expired solar panels. This is usually included in the e-waste category and the disposal is not an easy thing.
The solar panels that were implemented in the early 2000s are nearing their lifetime as the efficiency would have reduced big time. During the early implementation, the efficiency of solar panels was strictly believed to be not more than 20 to 25 years. The solar panels that were implemented in 2000 have already reached over 25 years and in many places, they have started disposing of the old and expired solar panels.
Maybe the industry gave a big thought on clean energy but it did not focus more on the disposal part. But I guess now it is time to have some deep thoughts on that. As the years go the waste will start accumulating. Currently, some of these e-wastes are handled in such a way that it is being sent from the developed nations to developing nations. The developing nations either get it for free or purchase it for a cheap price and recycle it wherever they can.
There is a big problem here where these wastes are considered to be highly toxic in nature. If these toxic wastes are not properly disposed of, there is a high chance that this can contaminate food sources and clean water. I have seen in many places where toxins like these are let into rivers and oceans. During the early stage, it may not be a big problem but as years go further, the volume increases and we would be surrounded by lots of toxic wastes around us.
Already because of these toxic wastes many animal species are getting affected and some river species are also in the stage of extinction. If this continues there will be a high possibility for human extinction in another 1000 years or so. This planet might even become not suitable for living.
As a bottom note, I would like to highlight that thee wastes should be handled properly. If not today it can be a big threat in the future. People will have to realize this and take wise decisions. Sending it from one nation to another will not be a solution as wherever it goes the toxicity will still be there and it will affect someone or the other.
Making money with these toxic wastes
There are still many countries in the developing category. Some of the developed nations send their e-waste to countries that are still developing. This has been a great financial opportunity for the developing countries to see some wealth from the waste. They make use of the electronic components from these toxic wastes and make money from them. Instead of making them rot in the garbage, people actually spend a lot of time trying to find some wealth from the wastes.
In a way, I would say that it is good because instead of trying to decay everything by dumping it in the soil, it is good if we try to recycle some of it and find some good from it. I still don't know where will we be with this e-waste disposal in another decade because it will keep increasing in the coming years and we may not have a better solution to go for.
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