As personal computer technology continues to evolve, and new products are released to consumers at a dizzying pace, the number of cast-off computers showing up in landfills is also growing. In many cases these computers are still functional but owners are nevertheless opting to junk these machines rather than dispose of them properly. The need for recycling computers is clear once the facts are known.
Toxic Chemicals
The average personal computer is filled with potentially toxic elements including lead, beryllium, brominated flame retardants, barium, cadmium and dioxins. The LCD screens used in desktop monitors and laptop screens contain mercury. When computers are dumped in landfills, these toxins can seep into the water shed. Incinerating computers releases furans and dioxins into the atmosphere.
Landfill Space
Desktop computers and monitors take up a great deal of space in landfills. One thousand desktop cases and old CRT monitors would require storage space equal to five or six semi-trucks. Because computers are made from ABS plastics and metals, they do not bio-degrade quickly. Unless they are crushed before dumping, computers can be expected to consume many hundreds of cubic feet of space in a community landfill within just a few years.
Reusable Technology
Many poorer communities and constituencies could use the still-serviceable computers we are throwing to the curb. While a Windows 2000 desktop computer may not be able to meet your need for more speed and features, it could still be valuable to others including struggling families, students and community organizations.
Reusable Parts
Many pieces of hardware inside a desktop or laptop computer can be recycled and used to maintain other computers. There is a growing business in used computer parts on the Internet and some communities are organizing computer parts swaps in order to put hardware back into productive use.
Educational Needs
Many secondary and manual training schools would like to offer computer technology courses to students but often lack an inventory of computers for students to practice and experiment on. Unwanted computers in any condition are valuable to local schools for this purpose.
Valuable Metals
Some computer hardware items, like processor chips and PCI cards, contain amounts of gold, which can be recovered. Computers and CRT monitors also contain valuable copper. Computers with aluminum and steel case chassis frames are largely recyclable once the ABS plastic sheathing has been removed.
References
- "Reusing and Recycling (Help the Environment)"; Charlotte Guillain; Mar. 15, 2008
- "Electronic Waste Management and Recycling Issues of Old Computers and Electronics"; Peyton L. Sawyer; July 2010
- "Recycling Industry: Computer Recycling, Richard Pratt, Iphone Recycling, Seattle Public Utilities, Cash for Laptops, Wrecking Yard, Ecopark'; Books LLC; May 2, 2010)
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