What is the hazard in computers?
Twelve million personal computers are disposed of in United States landfills each year and between 315 million and 680 million computers are predicted by the National Safety Council to become obsolete within a few years. Those obsolete systems will contain more than 1 billion pounds of lead, 1.9 million pounds of cadmium, 1.2 million pounds of chromium, and nearly 400,000 pounds of mercury. Lead, cadmium, chromium and mercury are hazardous materials, which can have numerous negative effects on humans, plants, animals if disposed of improperly.
Consider upgrading, reselling or donating your old computer.
Upgrading or reselling a computer is approximately 5-20 times greater energy savings than recycling it. If you choose not to upgrade your current system consider the following options donating or resale of your unit or think about neighbors, family or friends looking for a computer.
"Working Cooperatively for Recycling Services"
Proper Disposal of E-Waste
Be sure to avoid recyclers that use incineration (sometimes called "thermal recycling") as well as ones that ship waste overseas for processing. Incineration is not a recycling process and shipments overseas can end up in countries with no environmental regulations to protect human health, safety or the environment.
Learn More About the Growing E-waste Problem
A Brief Definition of E-WasteHarmful Effects of Exporting E-Waste
abc NEWS Article - U.S. Exporting E-Waste