Old computers - don’t throw them away, recycle them

Let’s talk about trash. No, not the stuff you bag up and leave by the curb every week but the millions of tons of computers, monitors, cell phones and other electronic items that are thrown away every year.

Landfills are overflowing with what’s called e-waste. In fact e-waste is the fastest growing portion of the U.S. wastery. In 2005 electronics are counted for 2.63 million tons of waste and only about 12 percent of that was recycled. Take a look at the computer you’re using right now. How long will you keep it? What will you do with it when it brakes or starts to lag behind newer models with better features?

Here is how you make the environmentally responsible choice with your computer and all your other electronics.

First, some facts you should know. According to the Silicon Valley toxics coalition the amount of energy used to manufacture new computers is four times what it takes to extend the life of an older machine a few years. So in most cases, the best choice for the environment is to repair and upgrade for as long as you can. A computer can be upgraded by adding memory (RAM). 1 GB of memory cost much under 100 dollars and you can install it your self.

But what do to when the computer is actually broken? Well, that’s not such an easy decision… Name brand computers often have to be shipped back to the manufacturer, sometimes even overseas, to be fixed. Not necessarily the greenest choice. On the other hand, white box computers, that is generic models without name brand parts, can easily be upgraded at local computer stores. Check your warranty though. They come without software and finding technical support may be difficult. White box models are available online or at large computer chains.

If you buy a name brand computer or peripheral, choose one with a strong take-back program that will guarantee your computer won’t end up on the landfill. DELL, for example, takes back all its branded products for free other companies accept their models for a small fee.

Now, should you buy a laptop or a desktop? Environmentally it’s a toss-up. The Silicon Valley toxics coalition says that even though laptops are smaller, they often have just as many chemicals to dispose of.

You’ll definitely want to replace some computers. If you still have a large CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) replace it with a flat panel LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). A 15” LCD screen uses a fraction of the electricity a CRT needs.

When it comes to other electronics such as printers, televisions, digital cameras and cell phones it’s probably not cost effective or even possible in some cases to repair them but before you get rid of them always consult the instruction manual. Maybe you can fix it your self. Also, consider contacting the manufacturer. Some manufacturers will provide repairs for a small fee.

Whatever you do, keep discarded electronics out of the landfills. The key is to recycle them.