As technology continues to advance, formerly cutting-edge electronics are rapidly becoming obsolete. The National Safety Council states in a recent study that the useful life of a computer is only three to five years and shrinking.
In 2005, more than 63 million personal computers were projected to retire. Obsolescence is presenting everyone with a new problem. The experts agree that the best way to deal with obsolete electronics is through reuse and recycling.
Electronics products can contain a dozen or more toxic and hazardous materials. The cathode ray tube (CRTs) in monitors contains an average of four pounds of lead each. Lead and other toxins pose a problem in landfills because they can leach into the ground water. Lead exposure has been linked to learning disabilities, behavioral problems and at very high levels; seizures, comas and even death. Check out "The Story of Electronics" (Why Designed for the Dump is Toxic to People and the Planet) video by Annie Leonard.
What is Electronic Waste?
Electronic waste (E-Waste) includes, but is not limited to: televisions, computers and peripherals, monitors, fax machines, copy machines, audio and stereo equipment, cellular phones, VCRs, DVD players, video cameras, telephones, wireless devices, and video game consoles. Many of these products contain enough lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium to test hazardous under federal law. CRT's found in computer monitors and televisions contain up to 6 pounds of lead. Electronics contain enough lead and mercury to test hazardous under Federal law.
Why Recycle Used Electronics?
There is concern, particularly at the state and local level that electronic products containing hazardous substances may pose environmental and health risks if they are not properly managed at end-of-life. When hazardous substances are put into the garbage, they end up in landfills. We want to encourage the citizens of North Dakota to look at alternative methods of disposal of these products. Individual communities need to take responsibility to properly manage these types of household hazardous waste. Please help improve the quality of life in North Dakota by selecting proper disposal methods such as reuse and recycling.
Why should my community consider disposal or recycling options?
Community reuse/recycle partnerships involving local governments, businesses, and citizens have proven to be successful across the nation. Promoting options of reuse and recycling programs will help educate rural communities about the proper handling of hazardous substances as well as end-of-life disposal options and other community share programs. Working together we can educate our communities, activate our citizens, and promote the welfare of the environment of North Dakota.
The Story of Stuff - Electronics