Computer Recycling

Computer Recycling

The age old question is what do you do with your old computer when you get a new one? Computers today play an intricate role in modern society; they have been around longer than many may think. In 1963, Douglas Engelbart invented the first computer mouse. The Apple II became very popular in the 1970's and 1980's; these machines have rapidly transitioned from multi-room machines to units that fit easily in a backpack or on a desk. Computers have been around for a long time so what are people doing with them when they are done with them?

Computers are full of toxic chemicals, carcinogens, and heavy metals the improper disposal can bring harm to the environment as well as humans. "For years, developed countries have been exporting tons of electronic waste for inexpensive, labor-intensive recycling and disposal, mostly to China" (Tree Hugger, 2008). Since 2000, it has been illegal to import e-waste into China for dirty recycling and dumping. The ban has not completely stopped all the e-waste from entering China smuggling and corruption have been a big problem. "Up to 80% of e-waste from the U.S. is exported to impoverished countries" (SVTC). Consumers, institutions, and businesses that take their e-waste to a recycling center may be surprised to discover that most is being shipped overseas. Once overseas toxic components are being openly burned, soaked in acid baths, dumped into rivers, and or piled into mountains of e-waste for scrap recovery. Impoverished workers, including children, smash leaded glass tubes, breathe lead solder fumes, and melt plastic with toxic flame retardants. "SVTC has worked with other organizations around the world in researching and exposing the worldwide destinations of our electronic waste" (SVTC).

Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition is a diverse organization engaged in research, advocacy, and grassroots organizing to promote human health and environmental justice in response to the rapid growth of the high-tech industry. "SVTC was formed in 1982 when groundwater contamination was discovered throughout Silicon Valley near high-tech manufacturing facilities" (SVTC). "Though the industry seemed "clean," toxic chemicals were being leaked out of underground storage tanks" (SVTC). The Fairchild computer chip factory exposed more than 100,000 homes in San Jose to toxic solvents. Workers in these facilities were also being exposed to hazardous chemicals on the job. "When hundreds of people inside and outside the factories began developing cancer, reproductive problems, and other illnesses, they banded together to fight back" (SVTC).

The fastest growing part of the waste stream today is E-waste. Just like batteries, electronics seem safe to use, but when they are thrown out, electronics can leak toxic chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium into our water and air. A single computer monitor can contain four to eight pounds of lead, if released it could hurt an entire community. "The problem has reached crisis level because of the sheer volume of electronic waste being created around the world every day" (SVTC).

* There are five hundred million obsolete computers in the U.S. alone.

* One hundred thirty million cell phones are disposed of annually.

* Twenty- twenty-four million TV's and computers are stored annually in homes and offices.

* Only 10% of unwanted and obsolete computers are recycled.

Many people are frustrated with the fact that there is no simple way to recycle our old electronics. People spend countless hours researching where to take their old electronics to be recycled safely. "Up to 80% of U.S. e-waste is exported to developing countries where toxic components are burned, dumped or smashed apart by impoverished workers and children without proper protection or sent to U.S. prisons where inmates work without federally protected health, safety or labor rights"(SVTC). The first step in computer recycling is to send your old equipment back to the electronics company. Due to high consumer demand electronic companies are offering to recycle their old products. Dell, HP, and Apple all have a take-back policy that allows the consumer to send back their old equipment when they purchase a new product. So before you buy a new product it is very important to research which companies offer a take-back program. "Dell, for instance, will take back any computer regardless of the maker when you buy a new Dell" (SVTC).

* Dell recycling- Starting in September 2006, Dell will take back any Dell product for free, even if you aren't buying a new one. You have to send it back to them, but they pay for shipping.

* Apple recycling- Apple offers free take-back and recycling to consumers who buy a new or Apple Certified refurbished computer or monitor from Apple stores, Apple phone sales or Apple's website.

* HP recycling- HP charges for their recycling service, but if you are buying a new HP product, you can usually apply an E-Coupon that you get from recycling to cover most or all of this recycling cost.

If the maker of the electronic will not take back the product, it is your responsibility to pick a responsible recycler. SVTC has a list of Responsible Recyclers posted on their web site. "There are a growing number of recyclers who have signed a pledge to end the practice of shipping e-waste to prisons or developing countries and who are creating clean, local solutions to the e-waste problem"(SVTC).

State e-waste and recycling laws are not all the same. "Just about any place in the U.S. has sponsored an electronics collection event, and many states are now trying to solve the complex e-waste puzzle" (SVTC). A number of policies have now come out such as, the banning of