3 Solutions to E-Waste

Recycle your old toxic electronics that just seem to unavoidably create clutter.

March/April 2005
By Chelsea Brown 
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Few Westerners could survive without their Macs or PCs, but the environment could use a break from old computers.

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The problem

Nearly 250 million computers will become obsolete in the next five years, according to the EPA. Discarded electronics (e-waste) can contain toxic lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and fire retardant. Of particular concern are the cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in computer monitors, which contain high concentrations of lead. Though the EPA considers each of these materials dangerous, household electronics aren’t classified as hazardous waste and aren’t subject to federal regulation. Therefore, in most states it’s up to individuals to decide the fate of discarded equipment.

The solutions

1. Donate. Give an operable computer to a local family, friend, school, or nonprofit such as Goodwill or Technology Training Foundation.

• Computers for Schools
• For a list of recipients, visit www.sharetechnology.org or www.usedcomputer.com.

2. Recycle. A number of websites offers links to recycling centers:

• International Association of Electronics Recyclers 
• Electronic Industries Alliance
• Electronics Recycling Initiative 

3. Involve businesses. The IBM PC Recycling Service allows consumers and businesses to recycle any computer for a small fee, including shipping. Hewlett Packard offers a similar service. Or businesses can consult with a company such as Newtech Recycling, which provides equipment resale, donations, or recycling.

• www.ibm.com/ibm/environment/products
• www.hp.com/hpinfo/globalcitizenship/environment
• www.newtechrecycling.com

The human cost

Before you recycle, find out where your old computer is going. Some companies ship hazardous materials to landfills overseas, while others send equipment to be dismantled by workers in countries such as India and Pakistan, where labor protections are less stringent. Children are paid as little as $1.20 a day to strip toxic equipment, and others scavenge glass, metals, and plastics from e-waste-poisoned dumps.

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Comments

  • Second Rotation 7/21/2008 8:39:08 AM

    I think that recycling of used electronics is incredibly important, but actually, I work with a company that offers an alternative to recycling your old electronics. We feel that reuse is the best solution for the E-Waste problem.

    Recycling is certainly very important (we do it too!) and all electronics need to be recycled eventually, but with reuse, the lifespan of your gadget is increased and someone gets to benefit from a device that they have always wanted.

    www.SecondRotation.com

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