Unfortunately, most old electronic equipment ends up in landfills. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1.84 million tons of TVs, cell phones and computer equipments were disposed of in this way.
This isn't good for the environment. These old electronics can leak potentially toxic chemicals into the ground.
But you don't have to add to this growing waste stream. You can divert your old electronics from the local dumping station. It takes just a bit of research. And there are plenty of resources at your assistance. Your county, local city and state can all provide you with information to help you recycle your old technology.
For instance, the EPA suggests that owners reduce the amount of electronic waste they throw away by donating old, but still functional, computers, television sets and music players to schools, recreation centers, charities and other organizations.
Owners may also be able to send their old electronic equipment back to the companies that manufactured them. Dell, HP and Apple, to name just three, all allow owners to send back old equipment.
Owners can also send their old computers, TVs and cell phones to recyclers. According to the EPA, recyclers recover more than 100 million pounds of materials from electronics every year. Many municipalities even offer special pick-up days each year for electronics. Owners can call their municipalities to ask about their options for disposing of old electronics.
It's important to work toward reducing the amount of electronics that enter the solid waste stream. After all, there is no evidence that this waste will be doing anything but increasing in the next several years.
Consider this number: The Telecommunications Industry Association says that owners use their televisions for less than two years, their computers less than three and their cell phones just two years. They then decide to upgrade.
Once these consumers purchase their new and improved products, they have to decide what happens with their old equipment. Hopefully, they'll make the right choice and, instead of letting their outdated TVs and computer monitors, waste away in a landfill, will search out ways to recycle or re-use this equipment.
Fortunately, a host of better options are out there for people willing to do just a bit of research.
Author: Al Haneson
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Article source: Free Technology Articles.
