The days of leaving used computers to be picked up with the weekly trash are over, as people become more aware of the importance of recycling old computers and safe monitor disposal. In some states in fact, it is illegal to not donate or recycle a used computer. For large companies, dumping computer equipment can lead to huge fines and potential lawsuits.
Why Recycle Computers? – The Necessity of Monitor Disposal and Computer Recycling
Why do businesses and even individuals need to recycle computers? Because the amount of waste from computers and other electronics is creating an accumulation of hazardous chemicals in landfills in Western countries, as well as third-world countries where old and used electronics are often sent. More people own more computers, and more people replace their computers within a couple years, causing a dramatic increase in ewaste.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that electronic equipment makes up about two percent of the solid waste stream, contributing millions of pounds of toxins which leech into the ground, the water supply, and eventually the food supply. Recycling rates of computers are still low, although with tighter restrictions and more opportunities to recycle used computers, there could be a greater likeliness of being able to manage the problems of ewaste.
Dangers of Not Recycling Old Computers and Concerns about Ewaste
Recycling old computers is as simple as sending a package in the mail, and is in most cases free for the individual consumer. Still, computers continue to end up in landfills around the world, forcing animals and humans to be exposed to toxins. Ewaste is a relatively new problem; both effective solutions and long-term effects are still in the theory and prediction stages. It is definite however that the resultant environmental pollution of neglecting to recycle used computers, monitors, and computer equipment, is adding toxic chemicals to the environment.
Some of the most common chemicals are lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and PBDE’s, which are used as flame retardants for electronics, as well as common household products such as furniture. Lead, found in high amounts in the cathode ray tube of computer monitors, is most dangerous for children, as it can cause developmental problems. Enough exposure can lead to lethargy, nausea, and headaches.
Mercury has a negative effect on the nervous system, starting out as insomnia and irritability, and over time causing more serious mental problems. Cadmium is a known carcinogen. Hexavalent chromium is known to cause high blood pressure, liver disease, and brain damage in animals. According to a report written by Michelle Cook, “Old Computers and Toxic Waste”(UBC Reports, November 2004), PBDE’s (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) have been found in human tissue, even in human breast milk. These chemicals take a long time to break-down, and in fact seem to have an increased resistance as they move up the food chain. They have a negative effect on hormone systems and memory.
Recycle Used Computer Monitors and Equipment with Caution
Today there are different methods of recycling old computers. If still in workable condition, they can be donated. Some states, such as California, Virginia, and Michigan, where improper monitor disposal and computer equipment recycling is illegal, have collection services. Many of the major computer makers have well-developed trade-in and computer recycling programs. There are also computer recycling companies, which will take old computers, break them down, and properly discard the parts.
Unfortunately, some places which recycle used computers actually send the computers to other countries where there is cheap labor, a market for old parts, and loose environmental laws, in order to make a profit. This results in ewaste building up in countries such as Indonesia, China, and India, unfairly exposing people to environmental toxins from another country. To make sure a computer recycling company is discarding used computers properly, ask if they have agreed to the Basel Action Network’s Electronics Recyclers Pledge of True Stewardship.
The goal of recycling computers is for everyone, whether an individual or a company, to take responsibility for their own waste, making sure potentially harmful toxins are not carelessly thrown away, and then introduced into whatever ecosystem they are dumped in.
Sources:
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Meyer, Michael. “Disposal of Old Computer Equipment: A Mounting Environmental Problem” (The CPA Journal Online).
- Williams, Eric. “Don’t Recycle Your Computer.” (Discovery Tech).
Brenna Coleman - Brenna is a freelance writer focusing on natural health and beauty. She has written hundreds of articles, helping readers find ways to ...
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