Question

What happens to your computers, MP3 players and cellphones when they’re broken or you want a new one?

Most people just throw them away. In 2014, people around the world produced 41.8 million tons of electronic waste(e-waste) and only recycled 6.5 million tons, the United Nations said. The US was the biggest waster, producing 7.1 million tons of waste. China ranked second, with 6 million tons.

It’s important to pay attention to e-waste. It can either be valuable or harmful, depending on how we treat it.

“E-waste is a valuable ‘urban mine (城市礦藏)’,” said David Malone, the UN under-secretary-general (副秘書長). The gold, silver, iron (鐵) and copper (銅) in e-waste around the world are worth some $52 billion (322.1 billion yuan). These materials can be reused and help us save resources.

But if people throw their electronics away, toxic (有毒的) chemicals can get into the soil or air, affecting the environment and people’s health. Malone said.

To help reduce e-waste, the first thing we can do is to buy longer-lasting electronic devices. If you have unwanted electronics, such as aging toys or cellphones, find a new home for them by giving them to charities. You can also see if there are any companies that offer recycling programs for their products. Apple, for instance, now offers people a discount (折扣) in China if they hand in their used devices when buying new ones. The company will test and repair the used devices and sell them at lower prices.

1.When a computer is broken or no longer wanted, most people usually .

A.throw it away B.sell it to a second-hand shop

C.put it in a closet D.donate it to a charity

2.How much e-waste was recycled in 2014?

A.41.8 million tons. B.6.5 million tons. C.7.1 million tons. D.6 million tons.

3.The valuable materials in e-waste do NOT include .

A.silver B.copper C.steel D.iron

4.Which of the following is TRUE?

A.China produced the most electronic waste in 2014.

B.E-waste does more harm to the environment than to people’s health.

C.People can buy new devices at lower price if they sell their old ones.

D.Some electronics companies have their own recycling programs.

5.What does the story mainly tell us?

A.How much e-waste people produce each. B.What people can do to make money from e-waste.

C.Why and how we should recycle our e-waste. D.How e-waste has affected the environment.

Answer 1