Taking a byte out of computer waste

Recyclers of electronics offer alternatives to the dump

A pile of computer and other electronic parts is swept up at a recycling facility

December 11, 2000
Web posted at: 2:24 PM EST (1924 GMT)

In this story: RELATED STORIES, SITES

From Mary Pflum
CNN Correspondent

(CNN) -- Computer recycling operations across the country are working to combat, and profit from, a rapid increase in computer waste.

"We're seeing an explosion in technology," said Mike Shapiro of the Environmental Protection Agency. "As that occurs, (consumers) aren't going to need or want to have around some of their older products, and those will appear in the waste stream."

ALSO EPA's Mike Shapiro describes: The problem of computer waste 543k /50 sec. AIFF or WAV sound What happens to computers that end up in landfills 315k /29 sec. AIFF or WAV sound    INFO IBM's computer recycling program    ALSO Turning an old monitor into a fish tank

In 1998, about 21 million personal computers had become obsolete in the United States. By 2004, that number is expected to soar to 315 million.

A&B Recycling of Georgia offers an alternative to the dump. The company receives up to 60 truckloads of electronics a month. Phones, computers and microwaves are rehabilitated and resold to companies as far away as China.

Computer waste gets worse during the holiday season when new electronic goodies replace the old in many households. It's also difficult to give old electronics away.

School systems and charities such as Goodwill will turn away computers unaccompanied by a monitor, keyboard and printer, along with those that have slow modems, because they are a hindrance to students and clients.

"There are so many things that can be done with material that is thrown in the dump, if people would be concerned with the environment," said Lamar Bearden, president of A&B Recycling.

Circuit boards made with tin lead settle into the ground along with the fiberboard, rot and can present an environmental hazard, Bearden said.

The computer industry itself is beginning to seek solutions to the electronic waste problem. IBM recently launched a computer recycling service. For a $30 fee, the service will determine whether a PC is worth saving, and if so, find it a home with a national charity. If the computer can't be saved, IBM recycles the parts at Envirocycle, a Pennsylvania-based firm.

EU proposals aim to reduce electronic waste
June 15, 2000
Millions of obsolete PCs enter waste stream
April 12, 2000
Old monitors now hard to dump in Massachusetts
April 3, 2000

Environmental Protection Agency
A & B Recycling
IBM
Envirocycle

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