Proper PC Disposal
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-04-20 08:09:00-04:00
Do you have an old computer stashed away in your basement, closet, or garage? If so, you're not alone. Government researchers estimate that three quarters of all computers ever sold in the U.S. are languishing in homes and offices awaiting disposal. More than 50 million computers became obsolete in 2005.
Many people are aware that computer equipment should not be thrown into the garbage since it contains toxic materials like mercury, lead and cadmium that can seep into and contaminate the soil. Luckily, there are many choices one can make to properly dispose of a computer.
You may want to first try to sell you old computer on auction websites like eBay or Craigslist.org. Although old computers usually don't bring in a lot of money, you might be amazed to find that they sometimes sell pretty well.
But if you don't have any takers for that old pile of bits and bytes, look around for donation or recycling programs, starting with your local community. Often schools, senior centers, and other community organizations are looking for donated computers to refurbish. The National Cristina Foundation is a wonderful organization that will match your donated computer with one of its many partner organizations in your geographic area. Once a match is made they will either pick up your computer or give you shipping instructions. And remember — donating an old computer to a charity will give you a tax deduction.
Share the Technology is another national organization that keeps a database of individuals with disabilities, schools, and organizations that need computers. You can search their computer donation database to find someone in need in your local area. If no match is found immediately, you can post your computer in their database. Other organizations like Goodwill Industries and Gifts in Kind America, which are listed on the UsedComputer.com Web site, will also take computer equipment. You can also contact recycling groups in your area using the state-by-state list of electronic equipment recyclers maintained by the EPR2 Project.
Many computer manufacturers offer a recycle programs to purchasers of their equipment, enabling you to turn in your old computer when you purchase a new one. The companies handle all the recycling details. Some computer companies even offer recycling programs for any brand of computer, even if you're not making a purchase. The Dell Recycling program will recycle your old computer at no cost with the purchase of a new Dell computer. They will also recycle any computer for a small fee. HP offers similar recycling programs for different types of hardware equipment like computers and printers. IBM also has a recycling program. Most of these programs will recycle any type of computer, and although the offers and charges vary, if you're not purchasing a new computer you can expect to pay around $35 to have your old computer recycled.
In the end, you can always just give away your old computer to friends or neighbors, or by posting a notice in local stores or on Freecycle.com, where you can give and get free stuff in your local area.
Remember that the chemicals used in computers, monitors, and printers have a hazardous effect on the environment when they end up in a landfill or on a trash pile. Even if you have to pay a fee to get rid of your old computer, it's worth the investment for a greener earth.
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The article Safely Donating or Disposing Old PCs reminds you of the importance of removing all personal data from computers before donating or disposing of them.
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