Enviornmental Aspects

EHSMS POLICY

Why Recycle?
Computers are a main contributor to electronic waste (e-waste), which poses a major disposal issue because they are made up of various components that are toxic to the environment. Over 133,000 computers get retired a day. The Institute for Local Self- Reliance estimates that 75% of obsolete electronics are currently being stored; which one day will result in a massive disposal issue for the country and the world. Within the next five years an average of 500 million computers will be thrown into landfills, polluting our environment with hazardous chemicals and contaminating our drinking water.

Growing rapidly at 5% every year, e-waste represents the largest waste stream in municipal solid waste due to their quantity and toxicity. Computers contain heavy metals and toxins that are deadly, and should be disposed of properly in order to maintain an eco-friendly earth. If e-waste is not disposed of properly, it could cost our country billions of dollars to clean up the poisonous problems in our landfills. Most consumers are unaware of the toxic materials in their computers. Printed circuit boards contain heavy metals such as antimony, silver, chromium, zinc, lead, tin, copper and mercury. Monitors contain lead to shield users from radiation. Cadmium is found in computer chips and semiconductors, and is used as a plastic stabilizer. Mercury is also used in the switches, relays, and batteries. Some states are banning from landfills and incinerators Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) found in monitors and televisions. With continued innovations in technology, there is an increase in opportunity to recycle computers, limiting the number that end up in local landfills. In order to maintain an eco-friendly earth everyone should be educated on proper disposal of e-waste.

E-Waste Facts