Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 by 2025 could lead to a surge in electronic waste, with an estimated 240 million personal computers becoming obsolete. This could contribute to landfill waste, with the estimated weight of the electronic waste from these PCs being around 480 million kilograms. However, advancements in recycling technology offer hope for mitigating the environmental impact.
Low demand for devices lacking security updates is expected after support ends, despite Microsoft's proposal to provide security updates until 2028 for a fee. It may be more economically viable for users to switch to newer PCs, resulting in an increase in the number of older PCs being discarded.
Technology for recycling is developing, and there are ways to reuse computers that are nearing their end of life. Recycling hard drives can yield minerals for use in renewable energy production and electric vehicle motors. One possible answer is to recycle end-of-life computers into magnets that drive renewable energy sources like wind turbines and electric cars. Battery recycling has possibilities as well. Metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper can be recovered from batteries through almost endless recycling. This recycling approach can meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly technology and electricity globally.
Overall, while the end of support for Windows 10 may lead to an increase in electronic waste, advancements in recycling technology offer hope for mitigating the environmental impact. Repurposing end-of-life computers and recycling batteries can contribute to the development of sustainable technologies and address the global demand for electricity.
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