E–cycling: Saving the Environment One Computer At a Time

We must consider the harm that improper disposal of these devices can cause the environment. Many electronic devices contain hazardous chemicals which include lead, chromium, cadmium, and mercury. The cathode ray tubes in older computer monitors contain up to 24 kilograms of lead, chip resistors and semiconductors contain cadmium, motherboards and connectors contain beryllium, and circuit boards and plastic casings contain brominated flame retardants. All of these are toxic chemicals and the reason why they cannot simply be thrown out in the trash.

E-waste is the fastest growing part of the waste stream today. It is estimated that 315-600 million desktops and laptops in the US will soon be obsolete. Not only that, but 75% of all computers ever sold in the US are sitting in peoples basements and the back of office closets. 1993 Bill Clinton issued an executive order requiring federal agencies to only buy computers that meet government Energy Star Program criteria. As a result 95% of monitors, 80% of computers, and 99% of printers now meet ESP requirements. It is not the US though that has taken the most recent measures on e-waste management; In 2002 The European Union adopted the Extend producer Responsibility Act. The Act requires all electronic manufacturers to phase out the use of hazardous materials and assume responsibility for taking back the e-waste they put out for recycling. Apple, Dell, and HP also have taken the incentive to take back their old machines for recycling.

There are plenty of ways to recycle your old computers and electronics. In most communities you can donate computers, cell phones, and other electronic equipment to schools and nonprofit organizations. In most cases the policy of accepting donated computers is that the computer may not be more than five years old. If you have a problem with organizations taking your donated computer I would recommend seeing if electronics is part of your cities hazardous waste collection program or trying to give the computer to a friend. There are plenty of recycling options you can use for your computer; one I personally have used recently is the “turn your old computer into a DVR” method. If your computer isn't ridiculously old and you can throw in a PCI video capture card, it's pretty easy to do and a great way to get use out of an otherwise useless paperweight.