Why is Computer Recycling Important?
Computers contain dangerous toxins and carcinogens that leach into the environment if not treated properly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies computers as “hazardous household waste”. Indeed, the materials used in computers are cause for serious public health and environmental concerns, especially considering the volume of computers that we dispose of.
Rapid technological advancement and planned obsolescence are creating an ever-increasing surplus of electronic waste. Currently, only about 15% of computers are recycled, with the rest being dumped in landfills or incinerated, releasing toxic materials like lead, cadmium and mercury into the environment. Continue reading
