A Computer Is a Terrible Thing to Waste.

This article offers tips on how to dispose outdated technology equipment. In addition to the electronic clutter in garages across the land, plenty of businesses have storerooms stocked with ancient equipment. Throwing the stuff out, though, can be worse than stockpiling it. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average CRT monitor or TV contains about 4 pounds of lead, and most electronic devices contain mercury, cadmium, and other hazardous materials. As of January 2005, electronics account for about 1 percent of all solid waste, but most research suggests that the percentage is increasing every year. The good news is that hardware makers and other companies are finally starting to help stem the flow of electronic waste. Many have established programs that make recycling easier for consumers and that offer incentives such as discounts on new purchases for customers who recycle. Consumers should first take inventory of what they have in storage. Separate the things that work from those that don't, and gather all the documentation and components they can find. Obviously, people shouldn't even think of handing over a computer--or anything else that might store private information about them--without wiping the entire hard drive clean. Once the hardware has-beens has been collected and cleaned, users can focus on getting rid of them. The easiest approach is to find a company that specializes in placing or recycling used equipment and let that group handle the details, even if it ends up costing a few dollars.