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The problem of safely recycling old computer
components is growing daily. Computer components
are not non-toxic, and they are
not biodegradeable. If it is
possible to re-use your computer in some useful
way, that is better than getting it recycled.
And getting your computer recycled is much better
than putting it in the garbage and from there
to the landfill.
If your computer is a working and functional
computer but simply will not meet your needs,
you will probably be able to donate it to a local
non-profit. They may charge a small fee for this.
If your computer has some useful parts in good
condition like working cd rom 20x+, hard drive
over 2GB, or PCI cards, you may be able to sell
them on ebay. You might only
get $5 but you will be passing them along to someone
with a real use for them.
If you have determined that your old computer
just isn't usable or upgradeable, it's time to
put it to sleep in a way that minimizes the environmental
impact of it's original construction.
Computer Recycling Links:
There is much recyclable content in a computer,
including aluminum, copper, lead, gold, and steel.
Ironically, there is far less recyclable content
in a modern computer compared to one that is 7-10
years old. Modern computers are lighter and tend
to contain more composite materials- lightweight
combinations of plastics and metals which require
less raw material but which are much more difficult
to separate.
- Improper disposal of electronics is a violation
of Florida's hazardous waste regulations.
- Toxic materials like lead, mercury and arsenic
can leak into groundwater from electronics dumped
in landfills, or pollute the air when incinerated
with other waste.
- Computer Monitors and TVs contain significant
amounts of lead.
- Printed circuit boards contain lead, chromium
and mercury.
- Batteries may contain lead, mercury and cadmium.
- Switches & Relays can contain hazardous
amounts of mercury.
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