| Most people
have the impression that a computer will always be able
to hold a high residual value even after the system is a
couple years old. Unfortunately this is not true
because of the high amounts of new technology flooding
the market every year. Almost every computer is
worth only a fraction of the original purchase price
even after the first year. Older computers are
quickly becoming obsolete to make room for the faster,
higher potential systems.
Computer
recycling helps out more than just your company, office,
or home. It helps to clean up the environment by reusing
and disposing of equipment properly. Millions of
computers and office equipment are being dumped into our
landfills every year with the potential of leaching
toxic metals into our water supply. By recycling,
all hazardous metals are extracted and plastic pieces
are removed and reused to make new products. This
means less trash to be disposed of.
Did you know...
- More than 3.2 million tons of electronic waste is laid
to rest in landfills each year.
- Nearly 250 million computers will become obsolete in the
next 5 years.
- Many people discard computers every 3 to 5 years.
- In 2001, only 11 percent of personal computers retired
in the US were recycled.
- Mobile phones will be discarded at a rate of 130 million
per year by 2005, resulting in 65,000 tons of waste.
TVs
and computer monitors can contain an average of 4 pounds of lead
(depending on their size, make, and vintage) as well as
other potential toxics like chromium, cadmium, mercury,
|
