How to Safely Dispose of Used Computers and Help Non-Profit Organizations
Desktops and laptops are actually contributing to the increase in electronic hazardous wastes in dumpsites all over the world. Figures from the Natural Resource Defense Council show that about 130,000 computers are being dumped in the US every single day. Also, hazardous elements from electronics such as chromium, cadmium, mercury, lead and polyvinyl chlorides can contaminate water systems or cause other environmental problems when improperly disposed in dumpsites. If you are concerned about the environment and would want to protect the future generations from the ill-effects of computer waste, then you should know how to dispose your electronic products properly. Here are some of the things you can do.
The first thing that you can do is to get in touch with the manufacturer of your computer. Leading computer makers in the US, namely Gateway, Sony, IBM, HP and Dell can arrange for the recycling of your used desktops and laptops. However, they usually charge fees for their services so you might want to reconsider if you really do not have much money to pay them. It is important to note that not all manufacturers have a recycling program so you may have to look for another way to dispose your used PC safely.
Simply throwing your electronic components and devices along with your regular garbage is morally wrong. As mentioned earlier, electronics contain compounds that can cause severe illnesses, including cancer. So, another alternative is for you to look for recycling companies in your locality or community. There could be a recycling center accepting used desktops and laptops in an area near you. However, some recycling companies will simply send e-wastes from the US to China and other countries in Africa. So, it may be a good idea to check out what the recycling group near you is doing with the e-wastes they collect.
Another way to safely dispose of your electronic wastes, which includes cellular phones and used desktops, is by getting in contact with non-profit organizations whose main objective is to dispose e-wastes in an environment friendly manner. Some organizations earn money for their cause by selling parts that can be put to use by other people. Reconditioning used PC is a great way to minimize the electronic wastes in the US and all parts of the globe. Since refurbished desktop computers and notebooks are inexpensive, you can also help in making computers available to low-income families.
