Why Recycle
Many individuals and businesses just do not know what to do with the old computer when they have purchased the "new and improved" version.
Why Recycle
The media has been awash with information about the dangers of sending old and obsolete electronic equipment to a landfill. Electronic equipment may include personal computers, monitors, printers, faxes, and cell phones. In fact, electronic waste is anything that utilizes a computer component to operate. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly 2.2 million tons computers, televisions, and other electronic equipment will be discarded into the United States landfills each year.
Committment to the Environment
Many individuals and businesses just do not know what to do with the old computer when they have purchased the "new and improved" version. Often the computers sit in a corner or take up valuable storage space until someone decides to simply get rid of it. Unfortunately, this often means that the computer is taken to the local landfill and dumped.
Most people are unaware that computers and their components contain heavy metals like lead, copper, and mercury, just to name a few. The discarded electronics are often bulldozed over and allowed to decompose slowly into the ground. Over time these heavy metals seep into the ground, contaminating the soil and ground water. This is not a good solution for those old obsolete systems.
Lead
Found in CRT monitors, televisions, and solder on circuit boards, lead can
cause mental development problems in children and increased blood pressure
in adults. Long-term effects include stroke, kidney disease, and cancer.
Hexavalent Chromium
A recognized carcinogen, this compound, used for corrosion protection in metal
housings, may also cause respiratory problems.
Mercury
Common in LCD backlighting, circuit boards, and some switches, Mercury is
known to cause birth defects, elevated blood pressure and heart problems.
Cadmium
Ranked among the most hazardous chemicals by the EPA, Cadmium is a known carcinogen
and can cause developmental and reproductive problems. It is found in batteries,
printed circuit boards, and some plastics.
Beryllium
A known carcinogen - also suspected to cause kidney, liver, respiratory, cardiovascular
and other problems - is used in circuit boards.
Barium
Used in CRTs to help block radiation, Barium is suspected to cause reproductive,
developmental, neurological, and respiratory problems.
Phosphorous
Considered hazardous under the Federal Clean Air Act, phosphorus used in CRTs
is a suspected hazard, but toxicity is undocumented.
Plastics
When burned, plastics can release Dioxin, a known carcinogen and suspected
developmental toxin. Plastics are used in the casings of most electronics.
Brominated flame retardants
A confirmed carcinogen that also causes birth defects, Bromine is suspected
to cause reproductive, neurological, and endocrine problems. These materials
are Used in plastics.
While the list is frightening, the good news is that all of these metals and chemicals can be safely recycled and reintroduced into the manufacturing stream to make everyday items such as tennis shoes and televisions/displays.