A new article from CNN delves into the computer recycling trade, and brings up solid but sordid details. For example, some recyclers are exporting old computers to foreign countries where they simply sit in overseas landfills un-recycled. OMG!

It is important to research a prospective recycler and find out more about the operation and its recycing process? Where do the computers go? Are they refurbished? What about computers that cannot be refurbished?

Also PC manufacuters should create components that make it easier to recycle them once they are at the end of their useful life. Some major computer manufacturers such as Apple, Dell, and HP have started to implement a give-back-program where consumers can send in their old PC or drop them off at a designated center. Hopefully other PC makers will soon follow suit.

Is recycling computers a bad idea?

No, i dont think so. It is a matter of doing some research and/ or spending a few extra dollars with a premium recycler to make sure your PC or other e-waste doesn’t end up in China or Africa un-recycled after all. Also there are a variety of things you can do with your old PC besides dropping it off at a recycling center, you can donate the used PC to a computer geek, who will refurbish it, and give it to a local church, non-profit, school, or clinic, etc. For more ideas, see my other article titled, Recycle Your PC.

What do you think of computer recycling?

Source: [CNN-Tech] [Digg]