| As more people become aware of the need to | | | | consumer recycling. The Computer TakeBack |
| conserve natural resources and keep our | | | | Campaign and the Electronic TakeBack Coalition |
| environment clean, recycling old computers has | | | | are both decentralized coalitions of organizations |
| become incredibly popular. But what is computer | | | | dedicated to minimizing so-called "e-waste" by |
| recycling, exactly? Why is it so important? And | | | | helping people properly dispose of their old |
| can one take a computer to be recycled? | | | | computers. |
| What is Computer Recycling? | | | | Many organizations also help connect computer |
| Computer recycling is the process of extracting | | | | donations with charitable organizations that may |
| valuable secondary raw materials from obsolete | | | | use them. The Donate Hardware list on the |
| computers. The EPA estimates that 30 to 40 | | | | TechSoup website is a great resource for finding |
| million personal computers are ready for recycling | | | | nonprofit and school-based recyclers in your area. |
| each year. But because of the source material | | | | They also list commercial recyclers, which are |
| used to make them, simply throwing away your | | | | better suited for broken computers or models |
| old computer can be dangerous and harmful to | | | | over five years old. |
| the environment. Depending on their age, | | | | Of course, some computer companies offer |
| computers can contain such toxic materials as | | | | take-back programs. These programs allow you |
| lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and | | | | to send your outdated computer back to the |
| radioactive isotopes. They also contain valuable | | | | manufacturer where it will be repaired, |
| materials worth recovering, such as gold, tin, | | | | refurbished, or properly disposed of. |
| aluminum, iron, silicon, copper, and an array of | | | | Hewlett-Packard is one company that offers such |
| different plastics. | | | | a service. To enhance their take-back program, |
| Why Recycle Computers? | | | | HP also often offers a coupon good towards the |
| It is estimated that an average computer monitor | | | | purchase of a new computer or computer |
| may hold more than 6% lead by weight. When | | | | components. Many companies offer such benefits |
| you discard a computer monitor or circuit board, | | | | as a way to encourage computer recycling |
| most of that lead leeches into groundwater, or | | | | instead of dumping. |
| pollutes surrounding air if the monitor is incinerated. | | | | The best way to be sure if a nonprofit or |
| Some companies ship their outdated computer | | | | commercial recycling organization is properly |
| monitors and circuit boards to developing nations | | | | disposing of e-waste is to make sure they have |
| that have weak environmental protection | | | | signed the Basel Action Network (BAN) pledge. |
| regulations. | | | | Among other things, the BAN pledge states that |
| This only moves the problem. It doesn't fix it. | | | | companies or charitable organizations will not allow |
| Computer recycling and repair companies are the | | | | hazardous waste to be sent to landfills, |
| only sure way to know that your old monitor or | | | | incinerators, prisons, or developing countries. |
| circuit board will be properly taken care of. | | | | These companies and organizations also pledge to |
| Where do I Recycle Computers? | | | | support forward-thinking toxic-use reduction |
| Consumer recycling is a popular option for | | | | programs and legislation. |
| recycling computers. Consumer recycling involves | | | | Luckily, getting rid of that older model doesn't |
| returns machines to their manufacturers, donates | | | | mean you have to negatively impact the |
| them to charitable organizations, or sends the | | | | environment. Look for the computer recycling |
| separated components to environmentally | | | | program nearest you and feel good knowing you |
| responsible recyclers. There are a number of | | | | did your part to help eliminate e-waste. |
| national and local organizations that help with | | | | |