High-Tech Trash by Chris Carroll

"People have always been proficient at making trash." Chris Carroll's article, "High-Tech Trash" reveals some in-depth truth about the United States' "recycling" system. Carroll's claim is that the United States' dumping of ewaste on developing countries is very hazardous, dangerous, and not to mention, extremely toxic. One reason for the overflow of waste in these developing countries is the continuous manufacturing of better, faster, and more efficient electronic products. Carroll explains that when new programs or software hit the shelves, they are already "on the verge of obsolescence" (Moore's Law). Another reason for this flood of waste are the recycling companies that don't actually do what their job entitles. Many recycling corporations, instead of putting parts and materials to good use, decide to sell their unwanted products to brokers which eventually get dumped in the developing world as a sort of "out-of-sight out-of-mind" solution. Another point that Carroll makes to support his argument is that the presence of powerful chemicals has literally "saturated" these countries and according to him, "a cycle of disease or disability is already in motion." Even though Carroll's argument is very clear and reasonable, he assumes that every American cares about recycling and that all recycling companies do not fulfill their entitled duties.