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16 August | 2003 |
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About Computer Recycling Why is it so important? What's the problem with just throwing it away? Chromium, lead, mercury and a host of natural and fabricated chemicals can be found in computers, monitors, printers and other components. Some of these materials, like lead and mercury, can lead to nervous system disorders -- even death -- so it's important to properly dispose of them. Monitors were recently reclassified as universal waste, which means they cannot be dumped in local landfills. Our recycling partner is specially equipped to deal with these types of materials and recycles or disposes (as appropriate) entirely in the USA using non-prison labor. Some organizations simply ship their waste to impoverished third-world countries because it's a cheaper alternative, but that's like dumping our e-waste problems on other people. At Computers2Schools we care about other people and encourage proper disposal. E-waste and recycling facts*CRT monitors contain 5-7 lbs of lead. Estimates put worldwide production of lead solder (specifically for electronics manufacturers) at 100,000 to 125,000 tons per year. (source: California Integrated Waste Management Board) *40 percent of the lead in US landfills is from discarded electrical and electronic products; 70 percent of heavy metals in in landfills come from electronic products (source: EPA) *Estimates for CRT recycling range from 5-15 percent (source: Californians Against Waste) *The California legislature has attempted to legislate e-waste recycling. A bill signed by Governor Davis in September 2003 will require retailers and manufacturers to assess an end-of-life collection fee for electronics items deemed hazardous waste (which includes CRT monitors). *Several major computer manufacturers currently run or have run computer recycling programs. HP and IBM both charge for shipping to return computers; Dell has hosted community collection events.Here you will find recent press releases, news clippings, newsletters and other important information regarding Image Arts Foundation's Computers2Schools.org project. |
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