Dealing with E-Waste

Anything electrical that we want to get rid of is called e-waste. It is the fastest growing part of the waste system.

Hazardous e-waste includes the following items: televisions and computers that contain cathode ray tubes, LCD desktop monitors, LCD televisions, plasma televisions, portable DVD players, and LCD screens. If these items up in a landfill, they leach toxic chemicals into the land or release them into the atmosphere.

We can make a difference by recycling all the electronic gear we discard. Dell and Nokia have take-back programs to recycle their products responsibly. The technicians at Staples will take apart old computers and reuse some of the parts.

Equipment that is beyond its useful life for one individual may be of use to someone else and can be refurbished and passed on to school and charities.