| Although we live in a world where environmental | | | | that are usually set up by the local government, |
| concerns have become paramount, many people | | | | which have stipulated drop off locations for old |
| do not realize the importance of correctly | | | | PCs. If you own a pre-Pentium computer, or a |
| disposing their computers. As a result, many | | | | broken monitor that you would like to dispose of, |
| discarded computers end up in landfills and cause | | | | then recycling is the best option. |
| a lot of damage to the environment. | | | | Another option to consider is a "trade-in", where |
| The most hazardous part of the computer is the | | | | larger computer manufacturing companies allow |
| Cathode Ray Tube in the colour monitors. Each of | | | | customers to donate, trade or sell old computers. |
| these monitors can contain up to four or five | | | | Trading in an old computer for a new one is a |
| points of lead; also apart from the lead, | | | | good way to ensure that the computer parts will |
| computers are known to contain hazardous | | | | not end up in landfill. Often, when you trade in |
| materials like mercury, hexavalent chromium, | | | | your old PC, the company will give you either a |
| Selenium, Arsenic, Polybrominated flame | | | | discount on your new PC, or they will pay you |
| retardants, Antimony trioxide, Cobalt and | | | | the value of the old PC. |
| cadmium. These chemicals can cause immense | | | | If recycling is not an option, and you would like to |
| damage to the soil and human beings as well. To | | | | dispose of your computer, then the first thing |
| prevent this from happening, there are a number | | | | you should do is to delete all personal information |
| of different steps that you can take to ensure | | | | from your system. In order to do this, you may |
| that your PC is disposed in the best possible way. | | | | want to install software that will do it for you, and |
| The first option is to recycle your computer. Most | | | | this step is crucial to prevent identity theft. Once |
| countries have different laws that govern the | | | | that is done, it is a good idea to check with your |
| recycling of computers, and there are a number | | | | local municipality or community to check if they |
| of companies that will undertake the recycling | | | | have any measures to ensure the safe disposal |
| process for a fee. Recycling is a fairly inexpensive | | | | of old computers. Government programs are |
| process, and reputable companies often require | | | | often very effective, and will ensure that your old |
| you to pay a fee for pick up and collection. | | | | computer is disposed of in the best way possible. |
| However, there are voluntary recycling programs | | | | |