According to Canalys study, Microsoft Corporation's recent announcement to end support for the Windows 10 operating system by October 2025 creates a significant environmental concern.
The decision might render 240 million personal computers obsolete, potentially contributing to a significant increase in electronic waste. This might amount to 480 million kilos of abandoned gadgets, or the weight of 320,000 vehicles.
Despite the possibility that these PCs would continue to function for several years beyond the end of support, demand for machines lacking security upgrades is expected to remain modest. Microsoft has proposed providing security upgrades until October 2028 for an unknown annual price. Given historical trends, it may be more inexpensive for users to upgrade to newer PCs, resulting in a rise in the disposal of older equipment.
Among these problems, new recycling technologies provide a ray of hope. Hard disks from personal computers and servers can be recycled to extract elements that can be used in electric vehicle motors and renewable energy generation. The promise of converting end-of-life computers into magnets that power sustainable technology such as electric vehicles and wind turbines is highlighted by Peter Afiuny, Chief Commercial Officer at Noveon Magnetics.
According to Afiuny, hard drives are frequently abandoned prematurely, resulting in an excess of rare earth magnetic material waste. Redwood Materials emphasizes the practically limitless recyclability of batteries in battery recycling, allowing for the recovery of critical metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. This recycling procedure is critical to satisfying the world's increasing need for electricity and sustainable technology.
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Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
