|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
Every year, the volume of old or obsolete computers and electronics increases dramatically. By 2007, it is estimated that over 500 million PC's will be relegated to scrap in the United States alone. These old PC's contain hazardous amounts of toxic heavy metals including lead, cadmium and mercury, and it is critical to the environment to keep these materials from landfills and incinerators. |
|
According to the US EPA, more than 4.6 million tonnes of e-waste ended up in US landfills in 2000. Toxic chemicals in electronics products can leach into the land over time or are released into the atmosphere, impacting nearby communities and the environment. |
|
Electronic products often contain hazardous and toxic materials that pose environmental risks if they are land filled or incinerated. Televisions, video and computer monitor use cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which have major amounts of lead. Printed circuit boards contain primarily plastic and copper, and most have small amounts of chromium, lead solder, nickel, and zinc. In addition, many electronic products have batteries that often contain nickel, cadmium, and other heavy metals. Relays and switches in electronics, especially older ones, may contain mercury. Also, capacitors in some types of older and larger equipment that is now entering the waste stream may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Because of the presence of these hazardous or toxic substances, state and federal hazardous waste regulations may apply to handling disposal of certain types of electronic equipment. These regulations make businesses potentially liable for improper disposal of electronics. |
|
Our nation’s landfills are already filled to it’s maximum capacity, more than half of the heavy metals found in them come from improperly discarded electronic and computer equipments. Despite the best efforts of environmental experts, hazardous materials defuse from landfills and contaminate our air, water, and soil. This in turn hinder public health and environment. |
|
Consumer electronics account for 75% of the lead in municipal solid waste but compose less than 1% of the waste stream. By recycling computers, we can divert significant levels of heavy metals from our landfills, where they could eventually leach into the ground water. |
|
It is estimated that 150 million computers will be discarded in the United States alone, enough to fill a hole one acre in area and 3.5 miles deep. |
|
The United Nations Environmental Program estimates that, each year, 20 million to 50 million tons of e-waste is dumped into landfills around the world. |
|
According to the National Safety Council, 20 million home personal computers became obsolete in 1998. That number will increase to 60 million obsolete PCs per year by 2005. In the United States, an estimated 70% of heavy metals in landfills come from discarded electronics. |
|
| |
|
|
