Recycling PCs and other Gadgets.

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As if it were not enough that the planet is groaning under generations of refuse, we have electronic waste to add to the whole mess.  Here are some numbers for you to crunch on your calculator.

80% Americans just chuck their gadgets in the rubbish. Every DAY 130, 000 computers are thrown away and 75% of all computers sold is considered surplus. In America, that means hazardous waste to the tune of up to 40 million computers. And that is just computers. Add about 350,000 cell phones to the mix and you might begin to sense the magnitude of the problem. When it comes to recycling, only a mere 15% of electronic gadgets and equipment ever get there.  

If we treat electronic waste like ordinary waste, one of two things could happen- it is burnt or it is sent to a landfill as garbage. When it is the former, it releases poisonous gases into the air and when it is the latter, it slowly releases toxic substances like mercury, lead and cadmium into the water, soil and atmosphere. In both cases, the consequences are scary to even contemplate. Recycling gadgets is such big business that regions build their businesses around it. For instance, Guiyu is known as China’s Electronic Waste Village, and around 5,500 businesses dismantle devices close to the tune of 1.5 million pounds each year, generating $75 million a year in revenue.  But the thriving industry is not contained to this part of the world alone. It is huge business in Africa and India where, unlike the West, recycling is run as a small business and guidelines are often ignored.  In fact, lead poisoning is a threat in places like these.  Other health hazards include cancer and miscarriages.

Recycling is crucial because it produces raw material for more gadgets. Also, you can find copper, lead, gold, silver and other metals that can be further reused. The good news is that awareness is increasing and so are opportunities. For instance, Dell and Staples have come together for a recycling initiative- if you do not want to ship your old stuff to the computer firm, just drop it off at one of the stationery giant’s stores. You could sell your old, still-working phone to Greenphone.com that will then help poor customers procure phones. In the U.S, your phone could be part of a care package for troops abroad with Operation Gratitude or to fund programs that fight domestic violence.

Electronics giant Sony has take-back programs, and Kodak has a buy-back program for its printers and cameras. Gazelle.com will give you money for your mobile phones and Macs, among other gadgets. Apple has a recycling program where you get an Apple Gift Card for money on your Apple devices, depending on their condition.

Recycling also brings out the creative side of things- you can choose among recycled circuit boards desk lamp, jewelry made with your keyboard keys, and a chair that takes PlayStation2 consoles for a smooth ride. Other wonders include ties, laptop sleeves and clocks.

So, next time on, recycle that gadget and let the planet breathe a little easy.

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