Anyone can give old computers and electronics a new life by being educated on ways to reuse entire pieces or parts of equipment. Recycling keeps discarded computers out of the landfills.
The advancements in technology are so common, that it is not even surprising any more. It is expected! For each new technological advance, something becomes outdated. This is especially true with computers. They are becoming increasingly more affordable. An inexpensive new computer is often better and faster than what many people have sitting on their desks at home. These “dinosaurs” can’t even be given away. Sadly, they end up discarded and piled up in landfills.
More than 700 chemicals are used to manufacture computers. The internal hardware is packed with heavy metals like cadmium, chromium, and mercury. The biggest concern with discarded computers is the lead containing cathode ray tubes in the monitors. There can be 2.5 to 8 pounds of lead per monitor. There toxins can seep into ground water.
Copper, gold, and other recyclable resources are all lost when computers are not reused or recycled. The National Safety Council found only a small percentage of computers are recycled. Large companies are required to, but minor consumers (small business and individuals) add about 10 million computers to the landfills every year.
Currently the gap between the cost of repairs or upgrades and the cost of a new computer is small enough that most people choose a new computer. Manufactures could help with the number of discarded computers by designing computers that are easy and affordable to repair and to upgrade. Consumers can do their part by choosing to reuse or recycle.
The following video shows ways to adapt and reuse outdated or discarded computers.
