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Why Is it Important to Recycle Computers Correctly?
by Tony Spinelli
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Overview
Computers must be recycled.
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Computer equipment that is broken or obsolete is a common sight along curbsides at spring cleanup time. But computer gear cannot be disposed of in the regular garbage cycle. It is dangerous to the environment and to human health and must be properly recycled, often with a trip to the local solid waste transfer station.
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Toxic
Computer equipment contains many toxic elements, including lead oxide on the inside of the monitor glass. Monitors are also full of inert gases.
Computer monitors contain lead and other toxic substances.
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Valuable
The microcircuits of computers also contain valuable metals, including gold and silver. The chassis and drives themselves may contain steel, which is a highly desirable recycled material.
Circuits often contain small amounts of gold.
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Recyclable
The metals and plastics from a computer are ground down into chips or resin powders and sold to manufacturers who melt them down for use in new products, which may include new computers. The gold and silver may become jewelry.
Computers, like cans, contain recyclable metals.
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Refurbishing
Some computer equipment is not recycled for raw materials, but refurbished for reuse. Drives are wiped clean of former content, reprogrammed, and often offered for sale at a low price.
Some newer equipment is refurbished.
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Transfer Stations
Local transfer stations typically take old printers, towers, laptops, monitors and related computer equipment. Some may charge a nominal fee.
Transfer stations often accept computer waste.
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