In some way, shape or form computers have become central to almost everything we do. Most agree that technological advancement will not, and should not, be slowed, however, we do need to consider the enormous pile of computer waste we’re generating in the wake of this rapid advancement.
According to the Environment Protection and Heritage Council, 15.7 million computers reached ‘end-of-life’ in Australia in 2007/2008, of this 15.7 million, only 1.5million were recycled, that’s less than 10%. The question is…. what happened to the other 14.2 million computers? Hopefully some are being stored awaiting proper disposal but the sad reality is the vast majority have more than likely ended up in landfill, where their toxic components such as mercury and lead, are left to leach into the surrounding environment and groundwater.
The WRONG way to dispose of computers.
Due to a massive lack of awareness about the hazardous toxins in computers many people simply throw their old computer out with their household rubbish, which of course means it will inevitably end up in landfill. This is the WRONG way to dispose of computers. Others think they’re doing a good deed by selling or giving their used, but still working, computers to companies that export them to developing nations for future use. This in fact just transports the electronic waste issue to communities that cannot afford, or simply do not have the means, to dispose of the computers properly. Tragically this results in many men, women and children being exposed to harmful toxins. A recent report titled Exporting Harm: The Techno-Trashing of Asia revealed that the Guiyu region in China is now so polluted from electronic waste that they have to truck drinking water in from 30km away. Again, exporting old computers is the WRONG way to dispose of computers.
So what is the RIGHT way to dispose of your computer waste?
Electronic waste recycling facilities have advanced considerably over the last decade or so and can now recycle 95-98%, by weight, of the computers they receive into secondary raw materials. Recycling not only saves the toxic components of computers from entering delicate environments and groundwater via landfill and export but it also slows the use and mining of primary raw materials. It is not only the RIGHT way to dispose of your old computers but it is the only sustainable way.
How to get your old computer collected and recycled.
1800ewaste is Australia’s leading ewaste collection and recycling service. We’re passionate about diverting as much electronic equipment from landfill as possible. We believe in prolonging the lifespan of valuable materials by recycling all that we can. Currently 95-98%, by weight, of all the materials we collect are recycled for future use. Our service is professional, fast and reliable, we’ll come to you, collect your ewaste and deliver it to the appropriate recycling facility. 1800ewaste only recycles with ISO14001 accredited Australian recycling facilities.
If you’re interested in having your ewaste recycled please give us a call today
1800EWASTE, 1800 392 783
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
thanks for the information, your blog is very good and interesting
its worth reading and useful for reducing global warming i used the information for an project in college
Do you clean hardrives And RSM memory up before you break down the laptop or pc
Hi Victor, thanks for your enquiry, we can provide you with a data destruction certificate which proves that any data on the computer is not recoverable. Please give the office call on 1800 392 783 (freecall) to discuss this further. Thank you.
Would you come to Maryborough Qld. for just two machines? : One old laptop and one even older word processor. How much would that cost?
Hi Ros,
Unfortunately we don’t service Maryborough at present; you may wish to try contacting your local council for advice on how to recycle electronic waste in your area.
Thank you.