Poll Question: How many of you are aware of computer and other electronic recycling programs?

Question

I am writing a paper, and need to conduct a public poll.

Basically, all the computers and other electronic equipment that ends up in our landfills are causing serious harm to our environment. Some states offer rebates on your taxes for recycling, some companies offer the recycling for no cost to the consumer, some charge a fee to recycle the equipment.

How many of you are aware of such programs in your state ( or if you live in another country, programs where you live) that accept used electronic equipment for recycling? If you answer yes, have you ever used these services? If you answer no, are you aware of the effects on the environment from disposing of electronic equipment in landfills or in burned in incinerators?

Regarding parts sent to Asia and dumped in a lake:

Yes that does happen with some of the more "dirty" recyclers. However there has been legislation passed and more trying to be passed regarding how recyclers handle the e-garbage. They have to submit reports showing exactly what is done with the items right down to the last screw. The best way to make sure that your old equipment doesn't end up in a lake in Asia is to ask questions. Make sure your recycler discloses exactly how they handle the e-garbage. Or just go through a company like Dell that takes old equipment free of charge to the consumer and recycles it in the proper fashion.

Answer 1

Never knew that! Thanks for the INFO!

Answer 2

Yes, I'm aware of computer and electronics recycling programs. No, I've never used them. Yes, I'm aware of the effects on the environment from disposing of electronic equipment in landfills or from burning it in incinerators. The effects are primarily the release of heavy metals (especially lead, cadmium, and mercury) into the enviroment. However, it should be remembered that such heavy metals are naturally occurring minerals that come from holes dug in the ground. Therefore, returning those heavy metals to the ground represents a return to their natural state. Sure, they were extracted in ore form and are being returned in metallic form, but the metallic form is typically less bioabsorbable than other forms, so that's not necessarily a bad thing. Moreover, with the move toward RoHS parts, electronics are "greener," so the computer and electronic recycling programs are more of a "feel good" marketing move by computer and electronics companies to cater to environmentally conscious consumers rather than anything of true environmental value. For those reasons, I have consciously avoided going out of my way to use such dubious recycling programs when a trash can is much more convenient and arguably not any more environmentally detrimental.

Answer 3

We were struggling with this issue ourselves, not wanting to add to the dump. Living in a small space, we recycle and reuse as much as we possibly can.

Our household discovered GREENDISK a few years ago, and we use it for almost all of our home electronic recycling. Sure, there's a small charge, but the peace of mind is worth it.

Greendisk accepts all kinds of electronics, phones, magnetic tapes, etc. The TechnoTrash Can is great. We finally got rid of all of our old small floppy discs, even.

The spouse also uses it at the office. We love it!

http://www.greendisk.com

Answer 4

I am in the UK

Yes, aware of computer recycling bodies locally.

Have used for disposal and in the past, as a teacher, benefitted from donations from businesses some via such organisations.
Haven't paid in either role.

Answer 5

at present been cautioned of this. ----once I had tossed out digital kit into the trash. however, even after being cautioned of the illegality of it, I even have tossed into the trash further electronics because of the fact I stay in a rural section the place the closest recycle center is approximately 2 hours away. it would be great if some electronics sales shops (are you listening WalMart? workplace Depot? and so forth) might grant this provider as a gratuity even for non-purchasers.

Answer 6

Yes I know about it and I've used it. My neighbor then told me that the "recycled" electronic equipment was picked apart and sent to an Asian country where they dump it all in a lake. I hope that he was wrong.

Answer 7

Yes
No
I build other stuff out of anything I cant patch up and keep running aint like I get one every year.

Answer 8

Yes, and no, because I'm not a good consumer!

Answer 9

I don't know of any in the Buckner area,I can't drive to any out of my area.

Answer 10

A better question is who cares?