According to greenhome.com, approximately 10 billion computers are dumped in landfills each year, and according to National Safety Society only 11 percent of computers are actually recycled. There is a big concern when landfills accumulate such huge amounts of old computers. The concerns are the toxic harm that these computers contain. Heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, mercury are just only a few that are hazardous to health and the environment. The computer monitor screens contain cathode tubes, which contain lead that can after destroyed can melt or drain away in the environment causing hazardous health problems.
Ways to recycle your old computer correctly would be to contact your computers manufacturer to see if they take back old or obsolete computers.
Hewlett-Packard takes back its old printers as does Apple. Contacting a proper computer recycling center is also helpful as they melt down the precious metals and properly dispose of the computer parts in a safe and manageable manner. Another good idea would be to donate your old computers to schools or non-profit organizations for use.
Proper methods can be taken to properly dispose of computers so that the environment and health can be preserved. Responsibility goes a long way, and being responsible can save time, money, and lives in some cases.
References:
Home, G. (n.d.). What to do with tech trash?. Retrieved from http://www.greenhome.com/info/articles/your_community/56/
Turner, L. (2010, May 20). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/127692-computer-recycling-important/
1 comment:
This article caught my eye because I happen to have two computers sitting in my basement to dispose of in the near future. It surprises me that there are not more manufacturers that offer recycling services for old computers. I have donated a computer to a non-profit in the past, but was scolded by a friend in IT when I told her what I had done. Rather than donate these computers, I will likely recycle them. Thanks for the info.
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