Computer Recycling

By: Ross Bainbridge
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:02:57
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

With computer technology constantly improving there is an ever-growing number of obsolete computers in the world. Formerly when an electronic device broke down, it would be taken to a repair shop. Nowadays it is usually easier and cheaper to replace it. Computer recycling involves trying to save useable parts from these obsolete items and safely disposing those devices that contain toxic materials.

Every year over 40 million electronic items become obsolete. These often contain hazardous materials like lead, cadmium, barium and mercury. If disposed of in a landfill these materials seep into the ground and then back into our food and water supplies. They pose a hazard to both the environment and human health.

On an average, most people have two to three obsolete computers in their garages or storage spaces. Some studies estimate that the number of obsolete computers in the United States will soon be as high as 315 to 680 million units. A very low percentage of people recycle their computers with estimates ranging from 5% to 15%, compared to a 42% rate for overall solid waste and a 70% rate for major appliances like refrigerators, washing machines and dryers.

Properly implemented recycling is the safest for computer waste. The major problem for recycling is the lack of incentives and the high cost of materials collection, handling and processing. The cost of recycling computers can range from $10 to $60 per unit.

It has been suggested that US manufacturers should phase down and, if possible, phase out the use of hazardous materials in their products. They should also be required to pay the net cost of recycling electronic materials. Manufacturers must be responsible for educating users regarding the potential threat to public health and the environment posed by their products, and for raising awareness of the proper waste management protocol.

One way of recycling is by donating your obsolete equipment to a nonprofit or school- based refurbisher. He will ensure that the equipment passed on is working well. Refurbishers can also cut down on e-waste by using parts of non-usable computers to fix others.

Recycling provides detailed information on Recycling, Waste Management And Recycling, Recycling Center, Computer Recycling and more. Recycling is affiliated with Fundraising Software.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Computers category

  • Online Poker Rooms: The best places for minting money - By: Melville Jackson
    he software is stable and responsive. Even with more than a thousand players using it simultaneously, the software has never crashed or slowed down till date.
  • Play Texas Hold 'em online: Get connected with your buddies - By: Melville Jackson
    Texas Hold 'em poker (also called Texas Holdem or Texas Hold'em) is one of the most popular card games available today.
  • Data Centre Solutions: Outsource the IT Infrastructure for Business Success - By: Isla Campbell
    When a company outgrows their existing IT infrastructure, what are the options available to them?
  • Computer Problems? Call the Computer Doctor - By: Elizabeth Gray
    Computers are one of the greatest things that we can have and it really opens up the world to us, especially when we are connected to the Internet. Unfortunately, computers can also be one of the most frustrating things that we can own and whenever they are giving us a problem, very few of us enjoy owning one.
  • Benefits of a Server Room Portable Air Conditioner - By: Jeanie Wong
    Server rooms are essentially rooms that house computer servers and in the informational technology sector, the term generally applies to smaller arrangements of servers, while larger groups of servers are housed in data centers. Learn how a server room air conditioner can benefit you.
  • The Technological Revolution - Pod casting For Beginners - By: Ravii Kumarr
    Podcasting is the latest technological revolution that happened in the World Wide Web. It is the latest innovation in broadcasting and a new medium in publishing shows. Podcasting show is termed as podcast.
  • To Find Easy Computer Financing - By: Sudhir Kumar
    Finding easy computer financing is not as simple for some as it is for others. Chances are that if you have perfect credit, you can finance just about anything.
  • Ipod Troubleshooting - By: Sumit Sharma
    Do you have an iPod that refuses to work the way you want it to? Looks like you need some help. If you poke around a bit online, you can find excellent iPod troubleshooting tips. Whatever your problems are, they can likely be fixed quite easily.
  • Looking Carefully When Shopping For A Turnkey Website - By: Adnan Ahmed
    When starting a new home based internet business, you can get overwhelmed with everything that you need to learn to get started and be successful. You will need to build and design your website, decide on how you will generate income from your website, and learn internet marketing techniques on how to promote and direct visitors to your new website.
  • Simple Ways To Success For Online Jv's - By: Prakash Singh
    1. Be Personal and different - most successful marketers get propositioned on a daily basis. 2. Find major players in your industry (well-known product creators, service providers, website owners, list owners etc..) and get to know them a little (join their newsletter, read their information, buy a product or 2 from them) and if possible speak to them in person or via the phone.