| The rapid evolution of information technology is a | | | | estimates that 13,000 computers are disposed of |
| double-edged sword. While constant improvements | | | | every day in the U.S. While the company keeps many |
| allow us to keep doing more in less time, the downside | | | | of the component parts, Staples hands off CR tubes |
| is that electronic equipment quickly becomes obsolete | | | | and other hazardous materials to Amandi Services, |
| and needs to be replaced by newer, faster models. | | | | which makes television components utilizing their own |
| One obvious drawback of improving technology is the | | | | recycling technique. Another organization utilizing new |
| cost of replacing older models, but what happens to | | | | technologies to complement and enhance the usual |
| the old equipment? Many computer components are | | | | pulverizing and shredding is Creative Recycling. Their |
| highly toxic to the environment, and virtually all | | | | reclamation utilizes very efficient dust filters and |
| electronic equipment utilizes some form of computer | | | | negative air pressure in a controlled atmosphere. The |
| technology. What do we do with the computer we're | | | | output of this system includes various metals, plastic, |
| replacing? The group Local Self-Reliance estimates | | | | and glass. The company aims to provide |
| that about 75% of obsolete computers and other IT | | | | cost-effective solutions for government organizations |
| equipment is being stored, creating a time bomb | | | | and has invested millions of dollars in equipment in an |
| waiting to go off. It will be a dark day for the | | | | attempt to lead the development of new recycling |
| environment when we all finally decide to dispose of | | | | technology. |
| this clutter. | | | | Not many people have noticed that recycling legislation |
| Mercury, chromium, and lead are a few of the | | | | has been passing in Europe for the last five years. |
| hazardous materials found in batteries, cathode ray | | | | That was when the Waste Electrical and Electronic |
| tubes, and circuit boards. These toxins will be released | | | | Equipment Directive was drafted, forcing computer |
| into the environment if all this outdated equipment | | | | manufacturing companies to pay for the recycling of |
| disposed of in traditional ways. Soil and water will be | | | | old equipment in a safe manner. Unfortunately, since |
| affected if this material is dumped in a landfill, and | | | | the industry operates with very small profit margins, |
| incineration releases toxic ash into the air. | | | | most people believe the costs will be passed on to |
| This is why we shouldn't simply trash our obsolete | | | | consumers in the form of higher computer prices. The |
| computers. Many organizations are dedicated to | | | | additional cost per computer could be as much as $50, |
| recycling old computer hardware. Recycling helps the | | | | according to industry analyst Gartner. And while most |
| environment and enhances quality of life for all of us. | | | | people wouldn't balk at paying a small premium to |
| There are many volunteer and nonprofit groups that | | | | have their old equipment disposed of properly, the |
| provide recycling services, recovering over 112 million | | | | European Union is requiring more stringent demands of |
| pounds of valuable materials each year from old | | | | green components in the future. This will also increase |
| computers and other electronic equipment. Glass, | | | | manufacturing costs in the short term, raising prices |
| plastic, steel, and precious metals can all be reused. | | | | even higher. |
| Most of us don't realize that even keyboards, CDs, | | | | There aren't many companies currently recycling |
| floppy disks, ink cartridges, and power cords contain | | | | computers in England, but the computer companies |
| easily reusable materials. Some peripheral hardware | | | | themselves are beginning to step up and provide |
| can be utilized with a new computer, such as | | | | alternatives for recycling old equipment. Dell is one |
| speakers and reusable disks. | | | | computer manufacturer pioneering new ways to |
| Staples is one company that has instituted a green | | | | recycle old computer equipment. Find out more about |
| policy, where old equipment can be dropped off seven | | | | computer disposal and recycling by visiting their |
| days a week for a $10 handling fee. Company | | | | website at |
| spokesperson Mark Buckley estimates that in this | | | | Compared to Europe, this country is fortunate to have |
| country alone, 13,000 computers are disposed of daily. | | | | many local outlets for computer recycling. But don't |
| According to Mark Buckley, of Staples, which has a | | | | wait too long to drop off your old computer at a local |
| green policy on accepting old equipment 7 days a | | | | recycler, because the cost is only going to get higher. |
| week in a drop-off scheme, for a handling fee of 10$, | | | | |