Virtual Island Consulting group

Facts & Figures
In 2002, approximately 41 million computers will become outdated; and current analysis by the National Safety Council estimates that 63 million computers will become obsolete in 2005. It is estimated that 75% of these obsolete computers are stored, and by 2007, these stored computers will amount to about 500 million computers needing to be disposed. As new technologies enter the market approximately every two years, e-waste is a mounting concern.

Reuse the Best Option. There are different options available for computers besides just throwing them away (or storing them). Many computers are built in a way that allows them to be repaired or upgraded, which means they can be reused. With little effort, these computers can be as good as the PCs currently on the market. Many programs accept computer donations (which are generally tax deductible), whereby the computers are refurbished and sent to local schools or organizations in need.

Recycling is an environmental must! The other viable option is recycling. Computers are made with a variety of elements, like plastics, glass, steel, gold, lead, mercury, cadmium and fire retardants that can be recaptured through recycling and used again. If thrown away, these computers can release toxins to the environment, potentially polluting the groundwater we drink and the air that we breathe. Recycling the resources in computers also eliminates the need to obtain these elements from nature, decreasing production impact on the environment.

Facts.
2,054,800 tons of electronic waste is laid to rest in landfills each year.

Nearly 250 million computers will become obsolete in the next five years.

Many people discard computers every three to five years.

In 2001, only 11 percent of personal computers retired in the US were recycled.

Mobile phones will be discarded at a rate of 130 million per year by 2005, resulting in 65,000 tons of waste.

TVs and computers can contain an average of four pounds of lead (depending on their size, make, and vintage) as well as other substances of potential concern like chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc, and brominated flame retardants.

Environmental Impact.
Electronics are a fast growing portion of America's trash - with 250 million computers destined to become obsolete by 2005. Electronics are made with valuable materials. In 1998, over 112 million pounds of materials were recovered from electronics including steel, glass, plastic, and precious metals. Plus, electronics can present an environmental hazard if they are disposed of improperly. With an average of four pounds of lead in many older TV picture tubes or computer monitors, along with other potentially hazardous materials, electronics call for special handling at the end of their lives.
Recycling your old electronics is smart and good for the environment-not to mention your decor.

Donating or recycling your outdated electronics encourages the safe management of their potentially hazardous components and supports the recovery and reuse of valuable materials. It also helps reduce the pollution and energy use tied to the production of new electronics. Finally, it can put a computer, TV, or cell phone in the hands of someone who really needs it.

Environmental Glossary – Through education we can all prevent the destruction of the environment. This section offers the industry a glossary of terms and definitions to share the knowledge industry leaders need to make the right reuse and recycling choices.

Term and Definition

Aluminum Aluminum is a lightweight, silver-white, metallic element that makes up approximately 7 percent of the Earth's crust. Aluminum is mined in the form of bauxite ore where it exists primarily in combination with oxygen as alumina. Aluminum is used in a variety of ways, but perhaps most familiarly in the manufacture of soft drink cans.

Close the Loop A term used to describe the last, and most important, step in the recycling process. It refers to the point when a consumer buys a recycled product after it has been put into a recycling program and reprocessed into a new item. (See Recycling Symbol)

Compost Composting is Nature's way of recycling. Composting refers to a solid waste management technique that uses natural processes to convert organic materials to humus through the action of microorganisms. Compost is a mixture that consists largely of decayed organic matter and is used for fertilizing and conditioning land. EPA DEFINITION: The relatively stable humus material that is produced from a composting process in which bacteria in soil mixed with garbage and degradable trash break down the mixture into organic fertilizer.

Conservation Conservation is the wise use of natural resources (nutrients, minerals, water, plants, animals, etc.). Planned action or non-action to preserve or protect living and non-living resources.

Fossil Fuel Fossil fuels are the remains of plant and animal life that are used to provide energy by combustion; coal, oil, natural gas.

Glass Glass is a hard, brittle, generally transparent or translucent material typically formed from the rapid cooling of liquefied minerals. Most commercial glass is made from a molten mixture of soda ash, sand, and lime.

HDPE High density polyethylene. A type of plastic that is commonly used in milk and water jugs.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) A product that is discarded from a home or a similar source that is either ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic (e.g. used motor oil, oil-based paint, auto batteries, gasoline, pesticides, etc.).

Litter Waste that is improperly disposed of on the street, sidewalk, lakes and other bodies of water, and in the general environment.

Municipal Solid Waste Garbage or refuse that is generated by households, commercial establishments, industrial offices or lunchrooms and sludges not regulated as a residual or hazardous waste. This does not include source-separated recyclables.

Non-Renewable Resource A resource that is NOT capable of being naturally restored or replenished; a resource that is exhausted because it has not been replaced (e.g. copper) or because it is used faster than it can be replaced (e.g. oil, coal [what we call fossil fuels]). Their use as material and energy sources leads to depletion of the Earth's reserves and are characterized as such as they do not renew in human relevant periods (They are not being replenished or formed at any significant rate on a human time scale).

Organic A term that refers to molecules made up of two ore more atoms of carbon, generally pertains to compounds formed by living organisms.

Packaging The wrapping material around a consumer item that serves to contain, identify, describe, protect, display, promote, and otherwise make the product marketable and keep it clean.

Paper A thin material made of pulp from wood, rags, or other fibrous materials and used for writing, printing, or wrapping.

PET Polyethylene terepthalate. A type of plastic used to make soft drink bottles and other kinds of food containers. PET is also used to make fabric.

Pet waste Use designated dog runs for pets. Use disposable bags for clean up after pets.

Plastic A material made from petroleum capable of being molded, extruded, or cast into various shapes. There are many different kinds of plastic made from different combinations of compounds. To learn more about the plastic resin codes #1-#7 and what these plastics are recycled into, check here.

Pollution Contamination of air, soil, or water with harmful substances.

Post-Consumer A term used to describe material that is being reused/recycled after it has been in the consumer's hands (e.g., a newspaper going back to the paper mill to be recycled into new recycled content paper products). Material or product used by the consumer for its original purpose and then discarded.

Pre-Consumer A term used to describe material that is being reused/recycled before it ever goes to market (e.g. paper scraps off of a paper mill floor going back into the next batch of paper). Waste material generated during the manufacturing process.

Recyclable A term used to designate that a product or its package can be recycled. This term may be misleading as there may not be a recycling program that takes the identified material in the consumer's area.

Recycled A term used to describe material that has been separated from the waste stream, reprocessed into a new product (often taking the place of virgin material), and then bought back by the consumer as new item.

Recycled Content The amount of pre- and post-consumer recovered material introduced as a feed stock in a material production process, usually expressed as a percentage (e.g., 30% post-consumer content).

Recycle Symbol The chasing arrow symbol used to show that a product or package may be recycled if there is a program available. On plastics, it is used along with a numbering system (1-7) to help designate plastic resins used in the product.

The three arrows on the symbol represent different components of the recycling process. The top arrow represents the collection of recyclable materials (e.g. an aluminum can, a piece of white office paper, a plastic #2 milk jug) for processing. The collection can be from a curbside collection or a drop-off site. The second arrow (bottom right) represents the recyclables being processed into recycled products (e.g. a new aluminum can from an old aluminum can, notebook paper from white office paper, a park bench from recycled plastic milk jugs). The third arrow on the bottom left is the most important arrow. This one represents when the consumer actually buys a product with recycled content. This is the most important step as it closes the recycling loop. Without this last step, we are pretty much just sorting our garbage.

Recycling Term used to describe a series of activities that includes collecting recyclable materials that would otherwise be considered waste, sorting and processing recyclables into raw materials such as fibers, and manufacturing the raw materials into new products.

Recycling Center A place where recyclables are collected and/or processed (such as separation and baling) in preparation for market.

Renewable Resource A resource that is capable of being naturally restored or replenished (e.g. trees).

Reuse To find a new function for an item that has outgrown its original use; use again (e.g. peanut butter jar for a collection; wash and reuse dishes).

Sanitary Landfill A landfill that has been designed and engineered to accept municipal waste while ensuring minimal negative impact upon the environment.

Source Reduction Reducing the amount and/or toxicity of an item before it is ever generated (e.g. buying an item with less packaging, using a non-toxic alternative to clean with).

Steel A strong, durable material made of iron and carbon, and often other metals, to achieve different properties. Steel is often used as a component in cans and as a structural material in construction.

Vermicomposting The process whereby worms feed on slowly decomposing materials (e.g., vegetable scraps) in a controlled environment to produce a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Virgin Product Term that refers to products that are made with 100 percent new raw materials and contain no recycled materials.

Reuse Is the Most Sensible Form of Recycling

Reuse is the first and best option for disgarding unwanted electronic equipment. The following is the top list of organizations that accept electronic donations for reuse throughout the nation.

1. National Cristina Foundation
2. Gifts in Kind America
3. Return to Usecomputers.com
4. Educational Assistance, Ltd.
5. Goodwill Industries
6. Computers for Schools
7. Salvation Army
8. World Computer Exchange
9. National Safety Council
10. UsedComputers.com

1. National Cristina Foundation
The National Cristina Foundation (NCF) maintains a database of pre-screened charitable organizations that can use certain types of computer and other business equipment for training and educational purposes. When you contact NCF with equipment you want to donate, they will check their database to see who can use it. When they find a match, they will tell you where to ship the equipment.

Donors do have to pay shipping, but NCF is qualified with the IRS to give you special tax deductions for the equipment you donate. These tax deductions may total more than the cost of your equipment. NCF will attempt to place equipment that is up to 10 years old. Equipment older than that will generally be directed to recycling facilities.

NCF can accept large and small donations, down to a single piece of equipment, and requires that you fill out a form describing the equipment you would like to donate, and then return the form to them.

NCF was founded by D. Bruce McMahan, Ph.D. and Yvette Marin, Ph.D. after Dr. McMahan donated a computer to his daughter Cristina's special education class. Cristina, who has cerebral palsy, has motor and learning difficulties. The computer made such a difference to Cristina and other students in her class that Dr. McMahan and Dr. Marrin decided to bring this technology to the people who need it on a much wider scale.

Here is how you can contact the National Cristina Foundation:

Call 800-CRISTINA (1-800-274-7846)
Call directly to (203) 967-8000, or fax to (203) 406-9725.
Web site: www.cristina.org
Mail: National Cristina Foundation, 181 Harbor Drive, Stamford, CT 06902-7474.
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2. Gifts In Kind America
Gifts In Kind America (GIKA) is very similar to the National Cristina Foundation (see above), except that GIKA accepts all types of commodities, and does not restrict itself to just computer and office equipment. It offers the same tax benefits, and can accept large and small quantites.
Here is how you can contact the Gifts In Kind America:

Call directly to (703) 836-2121, or fax to (703) 549-1481.
Email: [email protected].
Web site: www.GiftsInKind.org
Mail: 333 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314.
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3. Return to UsedComputer.com,
the online marketplace for used computer equipment.
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4. Educational Assistance Ltd.
Educational Assistance Ltd. (EAL) only accepts donations of newer computers and excess inventory from corporations nationwide. Their priority is to exchange these goods for scholarships within a national network of accredited colleges and universities. All scholarships are designated for students with severe financial need. Founded in 1982, EAL is a tax exempt [IRS 501 (c) (3)] nonprofit organization that is qualified to receive tax-deductible contributions. There are no fees for EAL's services, and EAL coordinates the entire donation process. You can free warehouse space quickly and easily, and EAL provides a donation receipt for tax purposes. You get a single shipping address for your entire donation, EAL will follow your guidelines when determining where your donation will be placed, and scholarships can be awarded in your company name.

Here is how you can contact EAL:

Call directly to (630) 690-0010, or fax to (630) 690-0565.
Send email to [email protected].
Web site: Educational Assistance Ltd..
Mail to PO Box 3021, Glen Ellyn, IL, 60138.
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5. Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries is about people working. The organization is one of the world's largest nonprofit providers of employment and training services for people with disabilities and other disadvantaging conditions such as welfare dependency, illiteracy, criminal history and homelessness.
To fund its programs, Goodwill collects donated clothing and household goods and then sells these items in more than 1,500 retail stores throughout North America and beyond. Goodwill also raises money by providing contract services to community-based businesses. Nearly 83% of revenues are channeled into job training/placement programs and other critical community services.

The Goodwill network extends to virtually every corner of the U.S. and Canada, with 187 autonomous member organizations in North America. It also has 54 international associate members in 37 countries.

In addition, Goodwill Industries of Southern California has established its Computer Recycling Services, which specializes in collecting, refurbishing, and selling used computer equipment. They can work with smaller companies, as well as organizations that are upgrading and need to get rid of larger quantities of older computers. So far, this is only offered in the Los Angeles area, but check with your local Goodwill to see how they can help you when you upgrade computer equipment.

The Goodwill Industries web site at www.goodwill.org will give you more information.
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6. Computers for Schools
This Chicago based non-profit organization has affiliates in 34 states that refurbish donated Pentium PC's and late model Macintoshes, then distribute them to needy schools.
To find out whether your equipment qualifies and how to make a tax deductible donation, or to receive more information on how the program works, visit www.pcsforschools.org, or call 800 939-6000.
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7. Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
This organization will accept many types of computer equipment in working condition. Go to www.salvationarmyusa.org to find the location nearest you, and to see if they can accept the type of equipment you would like to donate.
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8. World Computer Exchange
World Computer Exchange (WCE) is a non-profit dedicated to helping the world's poorest youth bridge the disturbing global divides in information, technology and understanding. WCE does this by keeping donated PC, Mac, and Laptop computers out of landfills and giving them new life connecting youth in developing countries to the Internet. The computers and networking gear connect schools in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to tech-savvy sister-schools for cultural exchanges to deepen understanding of technology and of their cultures and histories.
From companies, we seek to leverage in-kind donations of computer and networking gear, other in-kind services, and volunteers. From universities and high schools, we seek students from their community service programs to help in our work and to visit and train local youth in technology in exchange for learning about local history and culture. We also seek tech-savvy K-12 sister-schools for these schools that are so new to technology

For more information, visit www.worldcomputerexchange.org.
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9. How to Donate, Reuse, or Recycle Your Old Computer Equipment
The National Safety Council has assembled a good resource for finding out the best way donate, recycle, or re-use computer and electronic equipment that is no longer needed.
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10. Return to UsedComputer.com,
the online marketplace for used computer equipment.

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Benefits of Reuse/Recycling

Computers are a main contributor to electronic waste (e-waste), which pose a major disposal issue because they are made up of various components that are toxic to the environment. Estimates have been made that 75% of obsolete electronics are currently being stored, which will one day result in a massive disposal issue for the country and the world (The Institute for Local Self-Reliance). With continued innovations in technology, there is an increasing opportunity to recycle computers, limiting the number that end up in local landfills. The advantages of recycling are:

• Conserves resources for our children's future.
• Prevents emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants.
• Saves energy.
• Supplies valuable raw materials to industry.
• Creates jobs.
• Stimulates the development of greener technologies.
• Reduces the need for new landfills and incinerators.

What can be Recycled. The table below outlines the composition of a desktop persona computer based on a typical desktop computer weighing about 60 pounds. This table was located on the EPA web site and presented in Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation (MCC). 1996, Electronics Industry Environmental Roadmap. Austin, TX: MCC

In the table, PWB stands for Printed Wiring Board and CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube.

Note: plastics contain polybrominated flame retardants, and hundreds of additives and stabilizers not listed separately.

Top 10 Resource List

Computers pose one of the biggest threats to e-waste than any other electronic gadget. There are a number of online resources available to help you learn more about computers and the environment. Visit the online resources below for more information.

• United States Environmental Protection Agency Computers & General Electronics
• EPA WasteWise Update (PDF)
• Computer Recycling Center
• Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition Report
• Share the Technology
• Electronic Industries Alliance
• Product Stewardship Institute
• National Recycling Coalition
• National Electronics Product Stewardship Initiative
• Toxic E-Trash: E-cycling Resource Map (from the PBS series Now with Bill Moyers) Check out this page for a state-by-state listing of environmental agencies and health departments, and any e-waste legislation your state may have in the works.