Computer recycling

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

See also: Recycling

Computer recycling refers to recycling or reuse of a computer or electronic waste. This can include finding another use for the system (i. e. donated to charity), or having the system dismantled in a manner that allows for the safe extraction of the constituent materials for reuse in other products.

Contents 1 Reasons for recycling 2 Regulations 2.1 Europe 2.2 United States 2.2.1 Federal 2.2.2 State 3 Process 4 Consumer recycling 4.1 Consumer Awareness Efforts 5 Individual Efforts and Health Hazards 6 Corporate recycling 7 Concerns 8 See also 9 External links 10 References

[edit] Reasons for recycling

Obsolete computers are a valuable source for secondary raw materials, if treated properly, however if not treated properly they are a major source of toxins and carcinogens. Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast growing problem around the globe. Technical solutions are available but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied. Electronic waste represents 2 percent of America's trash in landfills, but it equals 70 percent of overall toxic waste.^[1] According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an estimated 30 to 40 million PCs will be ready for end-of-life management in each of the next few years. An estimated 251 million PCs were sold in 2007.^[2]

Many materials used in the construction of computer hardware can be recovered in the recycling process for use in future production. Reuse of tin, silicon, iron, aluminum, and a variety of plastics – all present in bulk in computers – can reduce the costs of constructing new systems. In addition, components frequently contain copper, gold, and other materials valuable enough to reclaim in their own right.

Electronic devices, including audio-visual components (televisions, VCRs, stereo equipment), mobile phones and other hand-held devices, and computer components, contain valuable elements and substances suitable for reclamation, including lead, copper, and gold. They also contain a plethora of toxic substances, such as dioxins, PCBs, cadmium, chromium, radioactive isotopes, and mercury. Additionally, the processing required to reclaim the precious substances (including incineration and acid treatments) release, generate and synthesize further toxic by-products.

In the United States, an estimated 70% of heavy metals in landfills come from discarded electronics.^[3]Some regional governments are attempting to curtail the accumulation of electronics in landfills by passing laws obligating manufacturers and consumers to recycle these devices,^[4] but because in many cases safe dismantlement of these devices in accordance with first world safety standards is unprofitable,^{[citation needed]} historically much of the electronic waste has been shipped to countries with lower or less rigorously-enforced safety protocols. Places like Guiyu, China, and Bangalore, India dismantle tons of electronics every year, profiting from the sale of precious metals, but at the cost of the local environment and the health of its residents.^[5][6]

Mining to produce the same metals, to meet demand for finished products in the west, also occurs in the same countries, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has recommended that restrictions against recycling exports be balanced against the environmental costs of recovering those materials from mining. Hard rock mining in the USA produces 45% of all toxics produced by all USA industries. ^[7]

[edit] Regulations

[edit] Europe

In February 2003, the European Community signed into law the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2002/96/EC^[8] (WEEE Directive). The directive imposes the responsibility for the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) on the manufacturers of such equipment. Those companies should establish an infrastructure for collecting WEEE, in such a way that "Users of electrical and electronic equipment from private households should have the possibility of returning WEEE at least free of charge". Also, the companies are compelled to use the collected waste in an ecological-friendly manner, either by ecological disposal or by reuse/refurbishment of the collected WEEE.

The Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2002/95/EC^[9] (commonly referred to as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive or RoHS) was adopted in February 2003 by the European Union. The RoHS directive took effect on 1 July 2006, and is required to be enforced and become law in each member state. This directive restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipment.

[edit] United States

[edit] Federal

There is a lack of federal regulation concerning computer and ewaste recycling, but for the stipulations concerning the lead in cathode ray tubes. CRTs fall under the RCRA, and must be disposed of accordingly, though state regulations may differ ^[10].

[edit] State

Many states have introduced legislation concerning recycling and reuse of computers or computer parts^[11]. Different strategies include:

• Arkansas – In 2001, Arkansas enacted the Arkansas Computer and Electronic Solid Waste Management Act, which requires that state agencies manage and sell surplus computer equipment, establishes a Computer and Electronics recycling fund, and authorizes the Dept. of Environmental Quality to regulate and/or ban the disposal of computer and electronic equipment in Arkansas landfills^[12].

• California – In 2003, California enacted the California Electronic Waste Recycling Act, which was amended in 2004. This act calls for an advance recovery fee on the sale of certain electronic products (including CRTs), which goes into a fund to manage recycling programs^[13].

• Maine – In 2004, Maine passed Maine Public Law 661, An Act to Protect Public Health and the Environment by Providing for a System of Shared Responsibility for the Safe Collection and Recycling of Electronic Waste. This extensive moniker describes how it necessitates that after 2006, computer manufacturers take responsibility for handling and recycling computer monitors, and pay the handling costs as well^[14].

[edit] Process

Whole computers and pieces of electronic equipment are shredded into smaller pieces to be more manageable and facilitate the separation of the constituent components. Leaded glass from cathode ray tubes is sold to foundries for use as a fluxing agent in the processing of raw lead ore. Other valuable metals, such as copper, gold, palladium, silver and tin are sold to smelters for metal recycling. The hazardous smoke and gases generated by these processes are captured, contained, and treated to ensure that they do not become a threat to the environment. These methods allow for the safe reclamation of all the valuable materials used in computer construction.^[15]

[edit] Consumer recycling

Most major computer manufacturers offer some form of recycling, often as a free replacement service when purchasing a new PC. At the user's request they may mail in their old computer, or arrange for pickup from the manufacturer. There are also a variety of donation options, including charities which may offer tax benefits. The United States Environmental Protection Agency maintains a list of electronic recycling and donation options for consumers in the US.

Individuals looking for environmentally-friendly ways in which to dispose of electronics can find corporate electronic take-back and recycling programs across the country. Open to the public (in most cases), corporations nationwide have begun to offer low-cost to no-cost recycling, and have opened centers nationally and in some cases internationally. Such programs frequently offer services to take-back and recycle electronics including mobile phones, laptop and desktop computers, digital cameras, and home and auto electronics. Companies such as Staples ^[16], Toshiba ^[17], and Gateway ^[18] offer what are called “take-back” programs that provide monetary incentives for recyclable and/or working technologies.

Though helpful to both citizens of the environment as well as the environment itself, there are some downsides to such programs. Many corporations offer services for a variety of electronic items, however, their recycling centers are few in number. Recycling centers and take-back programs are available in many parts of the country, but the type and number of equipment to be recycled tends to be limited. Some corporations, like Sony ^[19], only accept up to five recycled items per day and only if they are Sony products. Costco ^[20], which offers free shipping and handling for all recycled pieces of equipment, will only allow Costco club members to participate in their programs. Hewlett Packard ^[21] also offers free recycling, but of their three national recycling programs, only one is available nationally, while the other two are restricted to either one or two specific states.

For more information on companies that work to support recycling and take-back programs, reference this website.

[edit] Consumer Awareness Efforts

• Address the Mess is a Comedy Central pro-social campaign that seeks to increase awareness of the dangers of e-waste and to encourage recycling. Partners in the effort include Earth 911, ECO International, and the U.S. EPA. Many Comedy Central viewers are early adopters of new electronics, and produce a commensurate amount of waste that can be directed towards recycling efforts. The station is also taking steps to reduce its own environmental impact, in partnership with NativeEnergy, a company that specializes in renewable energy and carbon offsets.
• Electronic Take-Back Coalition, which is a campaign aimed at protecting human health, and environmental effects of where electronics are being produced, used and discarded. The main aim of the ETBC is to place responsibility of products on electronic manufacturers and brand owners. Responsibility includes not only the creation and use of the product, but also the disposal of the technology. This is primarily done through promotion through community groups and legal enforcement initiatives.
• Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, (SVTC) is an organization based from grassroots focused on various issues concerning our increasingly high-tech population and industry. The organization focuses on promoting human health and addresses environmental justice problems resulting from toxins in technologies.
• Basel Action Network, (BAN) is a unique resource, as they are the only organization in the world that is solely focused on addressing global environmental injustices and economic inefficiency of ‘toxic trade’ occurring around the world. The organization confronts the human rights and the environment at the macro level, by preventing disproportionate dumping on the large scale. BAN is continually promoting sustainable solutions and working on banning waste trade.
• Staples Inc. offers free-of-charge recycling for any consumers who wish to bring electronic waste to any of their stores, regardless of where the products were initially purchased.
• The Sony Take Back Recycling Program is a new initiative, in partnership with the Waste Management Inc. Recycle America program to provide incentives for consumers to recycle their old equipment. Not only they provide free recycling services, they also offer discounts and trade-up programs for consumers who recycle.

[edit] Individual Efforts and Health Hazards

Only 10% of old Personal Computers are recycled properly. In order to individually help make a difference, you can choose one of many options. According to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition ^[22], consumers can follow a number of steps to help with the recycling of electronics:

• Send your old computing equipment back to the electronic company from which you bought it.
  • Dell, HP, and Apple are all willing to take back your old products when you buy a new one.
  • When researching computer companies before your computer purchase, find out if they offer such recycling services.
• Look into national programs, such as the National Cristina Foundation, Tech Soup, and the National Technology Recycling Project. These organizations provide resources for people who are looking to recycle electronic goods. ^[23]
• Look at the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, SVTC's, Responsible Recyclers List. These recyclers, who can be found all across the county, are committed to a clean and healthy recycling environment.

Find A Recycler in Your State

• Once you find a local recycling site, make sure that they process their waste products on site, thus avoiding the global e-waste crisis.
• Don't throw your electronics away in the trash.
• Educate yourself! Read, research, and gain some knowledge about the harmful effects of recycling as well as the recycling laws of your home-state.

Chemical hazards

See also: Electronic waste

While there are several health hazards when it comes to dealing with computer recycling some of the substances you should be aware of:

• lead common in CRTs, older solder, some batteries and to some formulations of PVC. Can be harmful if not disposed of properly.^[24]
• Mercury in fluorescent tubes. With new technologies arising the elimination of mercury in many new model computers is taking place.^[25]
• Cadmium in some rechargeable batteries. It can be hazardous to your skin if exposed for too long. Although many people are exposed to it everyday it just depends on the amount of exposure.
• Liquid crystals are another health hazard that should be taken into consideration although they do not have the nearly the same effects as the other chemicals.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Corporate recycling

Businesses seeking a cost-effective way to responsibly recycle large amounts of computer equipment face a more complicated process. They also have the option of contacting the manufacturers and arranging recycling options. However, in cases where the computer equipment comes from a wide variety of manufacturers, it may be more efficient to hire a third-party contractor to handle the recycling arrangements. There exist companies that specialize in corporate computer disposal services both offer disposal and recycling services in compliance with local laws and regulations. Such companies frequently also offer secure data elimination services.

[edit] Concerns

One of the major concerns about computer recycling programs is export of waste to countries with lower environmental standards. Companies may find it cost effective in the short-term to sell outdated computers to less developed countries with lax regulations. The Basel Convention is an international treaty intended to restrict this sort of practice, but it has proven difficult to enforce and the United States has not yet ratified the agreement. Because the US has no domestic laws forbidding the export of toxic waste, the Basel Action Network estimates that about 80% of the e-waste directed to recycling in the US does not get recycled there at all but is put on container ships and sent to countries such as China.^[26] Due to lower environmental standards and working conditions in China, India, Kenya, and elsewhere, electronic waste is being sent to these countries for processing – in most cases illegally. Guiyu in Shantou region of China, and Delhi and Bangalore in India, all have electronic waste processing areas.^[27] Uncontrolled burning, disassembly, and disposal are causing environmental and health problems, including occupational safety and health effects among those directly involved, due to the methods of processing the waste.

Third-world countries, generally less concerned with worker safety or environmental issues, utilize methods that are not only more harmful, but also more wasteful. The most expedient and most prevalent method is to simply toss equipment onto an open fire, in order to melt plastics and burn away anything that's not valuable metal. This creates acrid smoke full of carcinogens and neurotoxins that linger in the air, shrouding regions in a deadly smog. Any refuse left over from these bonfires are disposed of as quickly as possible, generally into a drainage ditch or waterway, where they will be swept into the ocean or local water supplies. Children are frequently employed in these dangerous recycling methods.^[28]

[edit] See also

• Green computing
• Recycling
• RoHS Directive
• WEEE Directive
• Electronic waste

[edit] External links

• Computer Recycle Directory and more
• Computer Donation Locations
• Computer Recycling Resources
• Computer Recycling in Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Caritas Recycle Project
• Turtle Wings

[edit] References

v • d • e Topics related to waste management Anaerobic digestion · Composting  · Eco-industrial park · Incineration · Landfill · Mechanical biological treatment · Radioactive waste · Reuse · Recycling · Regiving · Sewerage · Waste · Waste collection · Waste sorting · Waste hierarchy · Waste management concepts · Waste legislation · Waste treatment

v • d • e Recycling by material aluminum  • batteries  • computers  • concrete  • glass  • paper  • plastic  • rubber  • steel  • textiles  • timber