Choosing A Reputable Computer Recycling CenterElectronic waste is the world's fastest growing waste problem today. It is considered a crisis due to its increasing quantity and the hazardous materials that they dump on the environment. Lead, mercury, and cadmium are examples of these toxic substances that are both occupational and environmental threats. Because of this looming crisis, industries and governments all over the world have taken initial steps to deal with the problem. Today, consumers are more aware that their obsolete computers and electronics cannot be thrown together with the household trash, and thus many people now turn to safe computer disposal methods like computer recycling services. If computer units and peripherals are too old to donate, or too broken beyond repair, then recycling is the only available option. However, not all obsolete computer units end up at the appropriate recycling facilities. To find reputable computer recycling centers, here are some useful hints and tips. · Look for computer recyclers who know, have signed, and are abiding by the Electronic Recycler's Pledge of True Stewardship. The Pledge was formulated in February 2003 by a coalition of concerned environmental groups. The program is still in its infancy, but the number of companies and organizations signing the pledge has grown tremendously. Some of the salient points in the Pledge that computer recycling centers agree to abide by are the following: · not to send or export hazardous computers and computer parts to developing countries; · not to dispose computer equipment in landfills or incinerators that are not equipped to handle such type of waste; and · not to send computer waste to prisons for recycling labor. Read about existing state/municipal laws regarding computer waste recycling. When visiting a computer recycler, it is worth asking the following questions to assess the extent of their operations. · Which state or local/municipal computer disposal laws do you comply with? The acceptable answer to this question is that they comply with the existing state disposal laws. · Are you sending any computer waste to other countries? And if so, where? The acceptable answer to this query is that they send it to developing countries and to recycling facilities with good environmental system. · Where are you sending these computer waste materials? The only acceptable answer to this question is that they send computer garbage to facilities local or overseas that specialize in handling the disposal of hazardous waste. Reputable recycling centers can also be found through the following: · Community programs initiated by the state or municipal government. Local community programs are common in most places and usually initiated by the local waste management unit. · Computer manufacturers. When purchasing new personal computer units, it is helpful to check whether the manufacturer offers recycling of their products. Chances are, if they offer computer recycling programs, they can recycle the old unit, and the new one can go through the same program. · Computer retailer programs. Some computer retailers offer limited "collection" events, wherein they buy old units in exchange for their new products at minimal prices. · Lastly, a commercial computer recycling center comes into consideration. Commercial computer recyclers can be found in most areas. It is best to contact them first to make sure that they recycle the product in question. Recycling computers is a fairly new concept. To some users, it is still a far-fetched idea. But the hazards and risks that computer waste pose on the environment and human health might just be enough to make individuals, organizations, and governments act on this serious crisis looming over the horizon. The diifferent types of computer disposal services are a necessary part of our digital age. So start using them! |