The discarded magnetic cards are harmful to the environment and are seriously expected to be properly handled

The information era and technology era have enabled us to live in a world surrounded by various kinds of magnetic cards. Various cards have enriched our lives, but they have also brought hidden dangers of environmental pollution. The main component of the magnetic card is non-degradable PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which produces toxic gases when incinerated. The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2010 Shanghai World Expo will further stimulate the market demand for chip cards. By 2010, there will be more than 2.5 billion smart cards on the market.

According to environmentalists, most types of cards currently used in the market are made of engineering plastics. Because magnetic cards do not undergo the same classification as old batteries, heavy metals, etc., they are very harmful to the environment. If it is treated by burial, it will be hard to degrade. When buried in the ground, it will cause soil compaction and cause soil salinization. It cannot be decomposed within 30 years and it will cause damage to agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry. Treatment with incineration produces toxic gases such as chlorides, which are prone to carcinogenesis and cause myocardial hypoxia. The more serious than the plastic hazard is the metal part of the IC card, the material is basically a heavy metal and a certain type of alloy material, these things more harmful to the environment than batteries and plastic hazards.

Judging from the current development trend, there are two trends in the disposal of discarded magnetic cards in the future: First, centralized recycling, and then find an appropriate method to deal with; Second, the use of substitutes, use non-hazardous paper or other methods instead of non-degradable Plastic.

Professionals suggest that using paper cards instead of plastic cards is more in line with green requirements. It is understood that many cities have already begun to promote paper green recharge cards.