Secrets To Proper Computer Equipment DisposalPersonal computers constitute a large percentage of the world's increasing problem of electronic waste disposal. Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a serious solid-waste problem that demands serious consideration and careful planning. It is common practice among many organizations around the world to store obsolete computers and peripherals. In the United States alone, it has been estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency that beginning the year 2005, 25 million computers will become obsolete yearly. Experts have also predicted that companies and individual consumers will replace computers and computer equipment more often than before. This phenomenon will add more to the already piled up electronic waste that the world has to dispose of properly. Take for example a computer monitor. Its cathode ray tube (CRT) contains on average, four to five pounds of lead, and other hazardous materials including cadmium, a known carcinogen. It also contains mercury and hexavalent chromium which has been shown to cause hypertension, liver disease, and nerve and brain damage in animals. If these types of equipment are not properly disposed of, the hazardous materials they contain can easily contaminate the soil and water sources. That is why correct computer monitor disposal is essential. Effective computer equipment disposal involves the development of a realistic disposal plan. It begins with the acceptance that computer units and peripherals stored as backups will never be used. When organizations and individuals upgrade their computer systems, they usually store the older computers and their peripherals which could serve as backups in the event that the new units break down. But the reality is that these old units remain in storage for a long time, and when they are finally disposed off, they have already lost their value. It is important to keep in mind that computer units that remain unused for a longer period of time will never be used again. An inventory of all computer equipment being used and stored is the next important step to responsible computer disposal. For companies with large storage of old or obsolete computer units, this inventory will serve as a guide when planning for the disposal of computer equipment. Computer equipment that cannot be used again must be tagged and identified for disposal. If computer equipment can still be reused or refurbished, and the company does not want to reuse them, they can be donated to schools, charitable institutions, churches, or to any company that can recycle or refurbish them. Other items that can be disposed off include dot matrix printers, broken monitors, old mouse, and defective keyboards. Another conscientious effort that companies can do is to avail of computer trade-in programs that manufacturers offer. Trade-in programs reduce the cost of new computers, and allow the responsible disposal of old or obsolete computer equipment. With trade-in programs, it is also possible to get discounts that computer manufacturers offer. This process also assures a more environmentally friendly computer disposal of the older units. Leasing computers is also an option for companies who can afford to mass upgrade their computer units. When computers are leased, companies are free from the responsibility of the disposal process. Leased computers can also be refurbished and sold or donated for further use. Companies that could not properly dispose of their old computer equipment and peripherals for manpower reasons or another should get the help of organizations that offer their services for computer equipment disposal. Some of them do it for free, though some charge a minimal fee for the service. A company with corporate responsibility will not shrink to this seemingly urgent task of keeping the environment safe for all. I hope now you will recycle computer equipment without feeling that you do not know what you are doing. |