If you have an outdated computer or two in your basement, you’re not alone. With a constant supply of newer, faster electronic products on the market, Americans continually replace older models. As a result, electronics have become one of the fastest growing waste streams. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 2 million tons of computers and other electronics are disposed each year. Currently, only about 20 percent of these materials are recycled.
The National Safety Council estimates that nearly 63 million computers became obsolete in 2005. The average life span of a computer has fallen from 4.5 years in 1992 to an estimated two years in 2005. An estimated 10.2 million used computers are exported from the U.S. each year. Most end up in countries that have less stringent environmental laws than in the U.S.
Computers, laptops, printers and servers have to go somewhere when they have outlived their usefulness. We have successfully figured out how to break them and recycle their parts.
To Protect Your Health and the Environment
Did you know computer monitors and older TVs contain an average of four pounds of lead? In addition to lead, electronics can contain chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc and brominated flame retardants. Properly reusing or recycling electronics prevents these heavy metals and other toxic materials from polluting our environment.
To Create Local Jobs
Existing companies will hire more people to meet the growing workload. As the demand for electronics recycling grows, so will the need for new e-cycling business, especially in areas that don't already have drop-off centers.
To Support Your Community
By donating your unwanted, working electronics to a school or charity, you are providing that school, a low-income family, or non-profit agency with refurbished computers, cell phones, and other electronics. You are helping that person or group access technology that they could not otherwise afford.
To Conserve Our Natural Resources
Valuable material can be recovered from old electronics, and these materials can be used to make new products. Did you know gold, copper and other precious metals are used in computer circuit boards and other electronic components? Lead, glass and plastics are used in TV and computer monitors. By recovering and reusing these materials, we reduce the need to mine for new raw materials.
No | Material Name |
---|---|
Electronics | |
1 | CRT Monitors |
2 | Hard Drive |
3 | Motherboards |
4 | UPS Power Supplys |
5 | Wires |