Where Does all the tech junk go?

Question

Since technology is changing so quickly what happens to all the outdated tech such as cell phone, computers, Tv's
and what happens to the tech that we can't recycle?

Answer 1

They're sent to poor areas where laborers are willing (who are unknowing of the toxicity of the material) to deconstruct and organize them based on recyclability.

Here are some images from Edward Burtynsky's "Manufactured Landscapes", which examines industrial environments and their interaction with nature/people. The following images show a rural computer recycling center in China:

Info: http://www.edwardburtynsky.com/WORKS/China/Chapters/Recycling.html
Images:
http://www.edwardburtynsky.com/WORKS/China/ThumbnailsPage/Recycling_T.html

Answer 2

I found your question while searching the web for a place to take a PC monitor that no longer works. I have found that tech stuff that works can easily be donated to organizations that will distribute then to underprivileged people either in the USA or elsewhere. I also discovered that there is a new name classification for the tech stuff that is junk and needs to be disposed of, it is called "Universal Waste". Weird name! This is almost any tech stuff that contains batteries or other forms of lead and other hazardous materials. These items are not supposed to go into landfills. Therefore recycle solutions are being developed, but people will most likely have to pay a fee to get ride of this stuff. No one wants to pay a fee to throw something away. That's why so many tires and car batteries are dumped illegally. There seems to be a lot of political pressure to force the companies that make and sell this stuff, help pay for or provide a way to recycle.

Answer 3

There are companies that take the equipment; break it down and recycle the components, take out the usable parts for refurbishing other equipment, sell usable parts and the grind the remaining parts (after sorting the materials: by metal, plastic, etc)
There are not too many companies in the Midwest but many companies that do this type of recycling out West.

Answer 4

If they are dropped off at recycling centers, a large part of them are recycled. Otherwise they go into the landfill with all their toxic metals.