Electronics become obsolete and are discarded at an alarming rate. Only 10% of the six to 13 million computers taken out of service each year in the U.S. are reused or recycled. Approximately 15% are landfilled and almost 75% are stockpiled. An estimated 10 million are sitting in storage somewhere, gathering dust.

What Is Electronics Recycling

Electronic waste is unwanted computers, monitors, televisions, audio equipment, printers, and other home electronic devices. Technological advances for all electronic equipment, particularly computers, quickly render them obsolete. More than 20 million personal computers became obsolete in 1998. Only about 14% were reused or recycled, while most were disposed of or remain in storage.

The question of what to do with used electronic equipment is an urgent one. Consider that more than 300 million personal computers are projected to be retired in the next few years. The average lifespan of a Pentium-class computer is currently about 2-3 years and falling. Electronics that break often are not repaired due to the relatively low price of replacement equipment. When the equipment breaks or becomes obsolete, it is commonly discarded. But there are other options…read on to find out more

Drowning In E-Waste

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of purchasing that new personal computer that comes with the new technology that your old machine could only dream of. Now you’ve got to do something with that old PC. Before it becomes more than a personal inconvenience it will need a final resting place.

Why Is It Potentially Harmful?

Electronic equipment contains metals and other materials that can become hazardous to human health and the environment if they are not properly managed.

Cadmium – The largest source of cadmium in municipal waste is rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries, commonly found in laptop computers.

Lead – Monitors and televisions contain a picture tube known as a cathode ray tube (CRT). The CRTs contain leaded glass, and are the largest source of lead in municipal waste.

Mercury – Electronic waste is a leading source of mercury in municipal waste.

Additionally, discarded electronic equipment is a concern because electronics are made with valuable resources such as precious metals, engineered plastics, glass, and other materials, all of which require energy to manufacture. When equipment is thrown away, these resources cannot be recovered and additional pollution will be generated to manufacture new products out of raw materials.

Growing Awareness

Until recently, most Americans have been oblivious to these issues, even though they’ve attracted increasing attention – and spurred sweeping new legislation. Now, things are starting to change. So far, very little of this nation’s electronic equipment is being recycled. By 2005 as many as 315 million obsolete computers could potentially be tossed into the world’s landfills. The State of California was so alarmed at the prospect that it issued an emergency order banning the disposal of computers and CRTs in state landfills.

What Can I Do About It?

Reduce – Maintain and keep equipment as long as possible.

• A computer’s lifespan can be extended by 1-2 years with some upgrading
• Buy a good monitor; it can last 6-7 years or more. Keep it for use with your next computer.
• Consider leasing a computer so you can trade it in at the end of the lease.
• Always use a surge protector power strip with all electronic equipment.

Reuse – A computer of recent vintage can often be refurbished and reused.

• Preventing waste in the first place is usually preferable to any waste management option…including recycling. Donating electronics for reuse extends the lives of valuable products and keeps them out of the waste management system for a longer time. Reuse, in addition to being an environmentally preferable alternative, also benefits society. By donating your used electronics, you allow schools, non-profit organizations, and lower-income families to use equipment that they otherwise could not afford.

Recycle – Electronic equipment can be recycled for recovery of metals, plastics, glass and other materials.

• You can ship your equipment directly to a recycler.
• You can also take advantage of manufacturer trade-ins to get a credit towards a new equipment purchase.