With computer technology constantly improving there is an ever-growing number of obsolete computers in the world. Formerly when an electronic device broke down, it would be taken to a repair shop. Nowadays it is usually easier and cheaper to replace it. Electronics recycling Electronics recycling involves trying to save useable parts from these obsolete items and safely disposing those devices that contain toxic materials.

Every year over 40 million electronic items become obsolete. These often contain hazardous materials like lead, cadmium, barium and mercury. If disposed of in a landfill these materials seep into the ground and then back into our food and water supplies. They pose a hazard to both the environment and human health.

On an average, most people have two to three obsolete computers in their garages or storage spaces. Some studies estimate that the number of obsolete computers in the United States will soon be as high as 315 to 680 million units. A very low percentage of people recycle their computers with estimates ranging from 5% to 15%, compared to a 42% rate for overall solid waste and a 70% rate for major appliances like refrigerators, washing machines and dryers.

Properly implemented recycling is the safest for computer waste. The major problem for recycling is the lack of incentives and the high cost of materials collection, handling and processing. The cost of recycling computers can range from $10 to $60 per unit.

It has been suggested that US manufacturers should phase down and, if possible, phase out the use of hazardous materials in their products. They should also be required to pay the net cost of recycling electronic materials. Manufacturers must be responsible for educating users regarding the potential threat to public health and the environment posed by their products, and for raising awareness of the proper waste management protocol.

One way of recycling is by donating your obsolete equipment to a nonprofit or school- based refurbisher. He will ensure that the equipment passed on is working well. Refurbishers can also cut down on e-waste by using parts of non-usable computers to fix others.Computers are often just thrown in a dump

Electronics recycling With technology advancing by leaps and bounds, older technology is becoming obsolete extremely fast. Most of the time, outdated equipment, including computers and their various peripherals, are just discarded or thrown away in a dump. It's important that computer recycling become a part of our initiative, just like recycling done at home.

Many hazardous elements such as mercury are released when there are leaks in computer parts. This causes a hazard to the environment and isn't beneficial for humans either. Most of the computer equipment purchased becomes obsolete after 5 years.

Even after various upgrades, companies and individuals need to buy new computer parts. Many times, it's best to buy new computer equipment rather than to continue using the old equipment.

Old computers can be recycled in many ways, rather than simply be thrown or dumped in land fills. Many corporations and small home offices have old computers that are lying in their store rooms for want of a better disposal method.

With a little bit of tweaking, older computers can still be made to work. These obsolete computers may just have hard disks with less storage space or slower processing speeds. The latter can often be corrected by adding additional RAM memory.

Government programs for recycling

There are many government programs now operational in US for recycling of computers and computer parts. The government has enacted specific laws that deal with disposing of electronic waste include computers. It's important that people check the relevant laws for disposal and recycling of unwanted computers.

There are many agencies that are listed under county offices as 'waste management programs' or 'computer recycling'. These groups are charged with the safe disposal and recycling of computer equipment. These agencies will collect the computers for recycling for a small fee or at no cost depending upon the parts contained in the computers.

Recycling programs run by manufacturers

Manufacturers of laptops, printers, scanners, copiers etc. also have recycling programs. A few who do include: Sony, HP Compaq, Dell, Apple, and Toshiba.

These companies take in old and obsolete computers in exchange for credit or discounts given on new purchases. Be sure to check all the regulations and the details before you choose to use their recycling programs.

Donating the old stuff

Electronics recycling There are many charities and organizations that will happily accept old computers. You can also find nearby charities that may be in need of old computers. Charities that promote children and youth education may need the computers that are old but still functional as training tools. If you think that the computers can be of help and that the charity shall benefit, why not donate them rather than throwing them away.

Conclusion

Electronics recycling Many charities may also have their own rules regarding the types of computer that they can accept. Of course no one is apt to accept computers that are 10 or more years old. Also, don't donate inoperative computers or peripherals to the charity. It serves no purpose, as they will be unusable.

Computer recycling is one of the best ways in which to provide a safer environment for our future generations and also to meet the needs of charities. Let us all be conscious about the waste that we generate